Korean soprano Jo Sumi became the first-ever South Korean to receive an Academy Award nod.
Jo's rendition of "Simple Song #3," composed by David Lang and featured in the film "Youth," was nominated for the best original song category at this year's Oscars (Academy Awards). The opera singer is the first South Korean to receive the Academy's nomination.
Jo appears in "Youth" as herself, singing the English-language song.
Jo Sumi is a world-renowned opera singer. She won the 1993 Grammy Award for "Best Opera Recording," and she's been recognized by countless music competitions held around the globe.
"Youth" is an Italian comedy-drama by Paolo Sorrentino about septuagenerian best friends.
In the film, Jo sings Lang's "Simple Song #3."
Along with "Simple Song #3," The Academy also nominated The Weeknd's "Earned It," off of the "50 Shades of Grey" soundtrack," J. Ralph and Sia's "Manta Ray" for "Racing Extinction," "Til IT Happens To You" by Lady Gaga for "The Hunting Ground," and Sam Smith's "Writing's On The Wall" from the latest James Bond movie, "Spectre."
Smith took home the Golden Globe for "Writing's On The Wall" earlier this month.
Listen to Jo Sumi's "Simple Songs #3" RIGHT HERE:
Tamar Herman is a multi-media journalist and the co-founder of KultScene. She is a freelance writer and copy editor, and has written for MTV Iggy, Noisey, and Paste Magazine.
