"Teacher is my idol" Sumi Jo's 40th Debut Anniversary, Respect and Sincerity Conveyed by Juniors

Behind the scenes of the stage celebrating vocalist Sumi Jo's 40th debut anniversary, messages of respect and gratitude from junior artists have been released. The behind-the-scenes video of the Sumi Jo 40th Debut Anniversary Concert 〈Encore〉, which took place on October 9, 2026, on KBS 1TV, contains the sincere congratulations of participating artists including Son Tae-jin, Danny Koo, Ko Yeong-yeol, Forténa, Lee Hae-won, Kim Min-seok, Lee Gi-eop, and Yoo Seung-ho.

"The only CD I listened to in the car as a child"... Sumi Jo, who became a milestone for dreams

To the participating juniors, Sumi Jo was more than just a senior; she was a musical milestone and a source of motivation. One participant recalled that the only CD they listened to in the car while going to lessons with their mother during childhood was a recording by Sumi Jo. They expressed that standing on the same stage as Sumi Jo is itself an honor and an exciting matter.

There were also juniors who grew up while studying Sumi Jo's musical journey. One artist revealed that since they began studying vocal music, they collected and analyzed all of Sumi Jo's albums to study, describing Sumi Jo as a "true idol." Another participant mentioned Sumi Jo's autobiography published in 2013, saying that the path she has walked from her time studying abroad until now serves as a dream and hope for vocalists.

"Together until the 80th anniversary"... Musical bonds connecting generations

The juniors conveyed their wishes for Sumi Jo to continue being a role model for vocalists in the future. One participant expressed the hope that just as Sumi Jo has sung of peace, she will continue to sing beautiful songs in the future, while another participant said they learn how to approach music in the future by watching Sumi Jo, conveying the wish, "Please sing for a long, long time."

This feeling of respect led to a promise toward the future. One artist expressed joy in being able to be part of Sumi Jo's 40th anniversary musical journey and left a message hoping to be together not only for the 50th and 60th anniversaries but even until the 80th anniversary. This concert was a place to celebrate Sumi Jo's 40-year musical life while simultaneously confirming the musical passion she has instilled in her juniors.

Source: original video (YouTube)