Lee Seunghwan Criticizes Gumi City for "Wasting Taxes" as Backlash Over Concert Cancellation Continues After Appeal

Conflict Continues Despite Partial Victory in First Trial

Attention on Second Trial Over Compensation Amount and Personal Liability

One and a Half Years Since Concert Cancellation Incident

Singer Lee Seunghwan has once again criticized Gumi City and Mayor Kim Jangho regarding the cancellation of his concert venue reservation in Gumi in December 2024. After a partial victory in the first trial, Gumi City's decision to appeal has led the legal battle between the two sides to a second trial.

This incident began when Lee Seunghwan's concert at Gumi City Culture and Arts Center, scheduled for December 25, 2024, was canceled two days before the performance. The Asia Business Daily DB

On June 1, Lee Seunghwan posted on his social media, referring to a "summary of the verdict," stating, "The demand for a written pledge was unlawful, the concert cancellation was unlawful, and the failure to take safety measures was also unlawful due to irresponsibility." He continued, "Mayor Kim ultimately hid behind Gumi City, since the city decided to appeal," and added, "The delayed damages interest rate applied to compensation is 12% per year. Taxes from Gumi are being used to pay the price for lies."

This incident began when Lee Seunghwan's concert at the Gumi Cultural and Arts Center, scheduled for December 25, 2024, was canceled two days before the performance. At the time, Gumi City cited opposition from certain groups and safety concerns as reasons, and demanded that Lee Seunghwan submit a written pledge not to engage in any "political incitement or statements that could cause misunderstandings." Lee Seunghwan refused to comply, and Gumi City proceeded to cancel the reservation.

In response, Lee Seunghwan, his agency Dream Factory Club, and 100 concert ticket holders filed a damages lawsuit totaling 250 million won against Gumi City and Mayor Kim. On May 8, the Seoul Central District Court ruled partially in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering Gumi City to pay 35 million won to Lee Seunghwan, 75 million won to his agency, and 150,000 won to each of the 100 ticket holders, for a total of 125 million won. However, Mayor Kim was not found personally liable for compensation.

After the first trial, Lee Seunghwan had expressed willingness to accept the ruling if Mayor Kim made a public apology, but when no apology was made, he filed an appeal. He maintains that he will again pursue Mayor Kim's personal responsibility in court. Lee Seunghwan stated on social media, "The lies told by Mr. Kim Jangho during the TV debate will all be held against him in court," and added, "I believe the amount of compensation will also increase." As Gumi City has also appealed the first trial verdict, the legal dispute over the illegality of the concert cancellation and the scope of liability for local government heads will be revisited in the second trial.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.