Grammy-award winning Korean diva Sumi Jo said here the arts were in a better position to unite people and neutralize political tensions among the superpowers.
Jo, the first Korean nominated for an Oscar award last year for her interpretation of a song used in the film “Youth,” announced in a message sent by e-mail that she was donating her talent fee to the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation, which is taking care of abandoned and abused children in Manila; it’s the same orphanage Pope Francis visited in 2015.
A devout Christian, Jo is known for her charity works for orphanages and for advocacies against cruelty to animals.
Said the world-acclaimed soprano who graced the Oscar red carpet last year: “I have good memories of my last concert in Manila and I was happy to be able to help victims of Typhoon “Yolanda.” This time I would like to help Filipino children and show people that I care a lot about promoting friendship between South Korea and the Philippines.”
The soprano, Korea’s cultural ambassador and Unesco peace ambassador, said she was concerned that there was so much publicity about a Korean killed in Manila and Koreans allegedly involved in the drug trade.
“There is more to Koreans than we read in the newspapers,” she said. “We love music and the arts, and international competitions will show Koreans excel in music. I do believe music can do a lot to promote genuine friendship. For this reason, I want to give a good example by sharing what I have with less fortunate Filipino children. I hope to show my countrymen and my Filipino fans the meaning of sharing.
“Of course, I can share more with all my heart and mind if they watch my concert at the Meralco Theater. My music can express a lot. I am inviting Filipino journalists to receive my message of deep concern and friendship through music. My concert will be a meaningful occasion to promote friendship between our countries.”—CONTRIBUTED