South Korean Bass Singer Yoo Seung-ho Wins Second Place at Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition

South Korean bass singer Yoo Seung-ho achieved a significant milestone, securing second place at the 2nd Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition held in France. The prestigious event took place on July 10 (local time) at the Château de La Ferté-Imbault in the Centre-Val de Loire region.

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I was satisfied just to make it to the finals, but to get such a good result makes me happy. It hasn't sunk in yet, but I want to thank my parents.

Yoo, aged 25, finished behind American baritone Trevor Haumschild-Rocha, who took first place. Romanian soprano Paula Iancici secured third place. The competition, which drew over 500 aspiring opera singers from 55 nations, is named after the renowned South Korean soprano Sumi Jo and is held every two years.

As a top-tier student at Seoul National University, Yoo's achievement marks his debut on the international stage. He shared his surprise and delight, stating, "I was satisfied just to make it to the finals, but to get such a good result makes me happy." He also expressed his gratitude to his parents.

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I can't express in words how overwhelming and fantastic it is. I gave everything on stage, but I didn't expect the result at all.

The competition offered substantial cash prizes, with the winner receiving 50,000 euros, the second-place finisher 20,000 euros, and the third-place contestant 10,000 euros. Additionally, Chinese mezzo-soprano Fei Xuan and Ukrainian singer Evelina Lyubonko received special awards sponsored by Hyundai Motor Group. The next edition of the Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition is scheduled for 2028.

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Sumi Jo is one of the great singers who made me fall in love with opera. Just being on this stage was overwhelming.