Soprano Sumi Jo is the first Korean inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame in Seattle. (Screen capture from Asian Hall of Fame's website)
By Jung Joo-ri and Lee Jihae
Star soprano Sumi Jo is the first Korean inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame.
Her agency SMI Entertainment on Nov. 17 said Jo on Nov. 13 was named to the hall's 17th class at an online induction ceremony based in Los Angeles as the first Korean inductee.
Founded in 2004 and based in Seattle, the Asian Hall of Fame annually selects ethnic Asian leaders in a variety of fields and honors their contributions to global development. Ten people were selected this year hailing from Korea, the U.S., India, Jamaica and Hong Kong.
Jo was among three inductees in music along with Japanese American pop music producer Steve Aoki and Chinese Jamaican bassist Phil Chen.
"I'm glad to be recognized beyond personal accolades as a musician representing Asia through my efforts over the past 35 years," Jo said, with this year marking the 35th anniversary of her international debut.
"I will continue to work hard over the next 35 years as a member of UNESCO Artists for Peace and a leader representing Asia."
etoilejr@korea.kr
