Soprano Sumi Jo Appointed South Korea's Cultural Cooperation Ambassador

South Korea is bolstering its international outreach with the appointment of two prominent figures as ambassadors: celebrated soprano Sumi Jo as Cultural Cooperation Ambassador and Professor Lee Sung-hoon as Ambassador for Human Rights, Peace, and Democracy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced these appointments, underscoring the nation's commitment to leveraging the expertise and influence of distinguished individuals in its diplomatic efforts.

Sumi Jo, an artist with a career spanning 40 years and global recognition, brings a wealth of experience in public and cultural diplomacy. Having previously served as an ambassador for major events like the Korea-Japan World Cup and the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, her role as Cultural Cooperation Ambassador is expected to significantly enhance understanding of South Korea's public and cultural diplomacy on the international stage. The Ministry anticipates her extensive global network and public profile will be instrumental in promoting Korean culture and fostering deeper international cultural exchange.

Professor Lee Sung-hoon, a seasoned human rights advocate with a background as executive director of the Korea Human Rights Foundation and policy director at the National Human Rights Commission, is tasked with advancing South Korea's agenda in human rights and democracy. His appointment signals a strategic focus on strengthening the country's participation in international forums such as the UN Human Rights Council and expanding collaborative networks with international civil society. These appointments reflect South Korea's proactive approach to engaging with global issues and projecting its values on the world stage.