What is World Youth Day?

World Youth Day (WYD) is a festival of young Catholics worldwide, established by Pope John Paul II in 1985. The event brings together believers to share faith, hope and peace. Next year, Seoul will host the gathering.

Why did Sumi Jo perform in Rome?

According to Yonhap News, Sumi Jo sang at a concert hosted by the Korean Embassy to the Holy See on October 13. She performed Nadia Boulanger's 'Lux aeterna' and Caccini's 'Ave Maria' to wish for the success of the Seoul event. In an interview with Yonhap on October 19, she said she hopes WYD will help show the world what Korea and Koreans are really like.

Who is Sumi Jo?

Sumi Jo is one of the world's most celebrated sopranos. Herbert von Karajan called her a 'voice sent by God.' She debuted at the Teatro Verdi in Trieste on October 26, 1986, as Gilda in Rigoletto, and within five years she had debuted at all five of the world's major opera houses, a rare feat for an Asian singer in her twenties.

What is she doing now?

For her 40th anniversary, Sumi Jo has a busy schedule. Beyond singing, she is active in disability care and stray dog protection volunteer work. She told Yonhap she sees responsibility, rather than burden, in reaching out to the world through music.

For international fans

If you want to hear her voice, her opera recordings are widely available on major streaming platforms. Her 40th-anniversary activities are a good way to follow her career as she approaches the Seoul WYD.