Korean tenor Lee Ki-up takes third in Sumi Jo International Singing Competition

Korean tenor Lee Ki-up placed third in the inaugural international singing competition founded by soprano Sumi Jo.

Soprano Sumi Jo, fourth from right in a golden dress, and the winners of the the first Sumi Jo International Singing Competition, pose for photos on July 12 at the Chateau de La Ferte-Imbault. [YONHAP]

Korean tenor Lee Ki-up placed third in the first international singing competition founded by esteemed Korean soprano Sumi Jo.

The competition, established by Korea's leading soprano Jo, took place for the first time from July 7 to Saturday at the Chateau de la Ferte in France. The final round took place on Friday with 11 semifinalists competing for the top honor.

First place went to 22-year-old Chinese baritone Li Zihao and second place to 20-year-old Romanian tenor George Ionut Virban.

Korean bronze medalist Lee, 31, graduated from the School of Music at Kyung Hee University and studied at the International Opera Academy in Ghent, Belgium, and the Paris Opera Academy. He is currently based in Paris.

Korean tenor Lee Ki-up, third-place winner of the first Sumi Jo International Singing Competition, answers questions from the press on July 12 at the Chateau de La Ferte-Imbault. [NEWS1]

Chinese baritone Li Zihao, winner of the first Sumi Jo International Singing Competition, answers questions from the press on July 12 at the Chateau de La Ferte-Imbault. [NEWS1]

The three winners came from a total of 24 contestants, who were chosen from a pool of 500 applicants from 47 countries around the world. Vocal music students between the ages of 18 and 32 who dream of becoming opera stars were eligible to apply.

The first place winner will receive 50,000 euros ($54,559), the second 20,000 euros and the third 10,000 euros. All three will be invited to perform in Jo’s concert later on.

The Sumi Jo International Singing Competition will be held every two years with the aim of discovering budding musicians with potential and promoting them on the global stage.

The next competition is scheduled to take place in 2026 in tandem with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]