Sumi Jo has been named an honorary ambassador for Pyeonchang 2018 ©Pyeongchang 2018

Pyeongchang 2018 has announced that South Korean opera singer Sumi Jo has become an honorary ambassador for next year's Winter Olympic Games.

The 54-year-old from Changwon was officially appointed to her role at a special event at the Foreign Press Centre in capital city Seoul today.

Born in Changwon, Jo is known for her vocal ability as a coloratura soprano, which is someone with a "very delicate and light tone".

The singer graduated from the Sun Hwa Arts School with diplomas in voice and piano before further studies at the Seoul National University.

During this time she made her professional debut performance with the Seoul Opera.

Since then she has performed with the world's best operas and orchestras and in 2015 was nominated for an Academy Award for her vocal recording on the film Youth.

"I am thrilled to be an ambassador for Pyeongchang 2018," Jo said.

"To have the chance to help celebrate and promote Korean music, culture and sport to the world through the Games is a huge honour.

"It is going to be a wonderful experience being part of the fun and festivities next year."

Sumi Jo has performed at a number of Opening Ceremonies for various sporting events ©Getty Images
Sumi Jo has performed at a number of Opening Ceremonies for various sporting events ©Getty Images

During her career, Jo has recorded ten solo albums and is the most celebrated soprano from South Korea.

She has also performed at a number of major sporting events.

She took to the stage at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2011 International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Daegu.

It has not been announced whether she will perform at the Opening Ceremony of Pyeongchang 2018.

"Culture is one of the key pillars of Pyeongchang 2018 as we aim to showcase Korean culture and creativity to the world," said Pyeongchang 2018 President Lee Hee-beom.

"Jo is a global musical icon, and we are delighted that she is going to help us spread the word about Pyeongchang 2018 to a new audience and be part of our cultural celebrations across Gangwon Province."

Jo is the latest appointment as an honorary ambassador.

Leading South Korean actors Kim Woo-bin and Lee Min-ho, double Olympic speed skating champion Lee Sang-hwa have all been given the role.

South Korean Olympic skating champions Seung-hoon Lee, Seung-hi Park and Tae-bum Mo and Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn of the United States were also given ambassadorial duties.