As the mayor of Gumi unilaterally canceled singer Lee Seung-hwan's concert, the mayors of Gwangju and Hwaseong sent love calls to Lee Seung-hwan.
On the 24th, Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jeong posted on social media, “Hearing that Gumi City has canceled the venue for Lee Seung-hwan's concert, I say, ‘Let’s do it in Gwangju.’”
He added, “How absurd and ridiculous must the martial law have been for K-pop-supporting youth to take to the streets with their most precious light sticks!” and stated, “The energy that keeps us from getting tired is K-pop.” He also mentioned again, “We invite Lee Seung-hwan to Gwangju.”
Hwaseong Mayor Jeong Myeong-geun also invited on social media, “How about holding the Lee Seung-hwan concert in Hwaseong Special City?” He continued, “I heard that the Gumi concert of artist Lee Seung-hwan was unilaterally canceled during his national tour. I understand how unfair this situation must be for artist Lee Seung-hwan.”
Mayor Jeong also said, “Artist Lee Seung-hwan! I respectfully propose our Hwaseong concert. If a master of live performances like artist Lee Seung-hwan performs in Hwaseong City, I believe the citizens of Hwaseong, who are thirsty for cultural enjoyment, will be very pleased.” He added, “I am very much looking forward to the 35th anniversary HEAVEN concert of artist Lee Seung-hwan in Hwaseong Special City.”
Lee Seung-hwan was originally scheduled to hold a concert at the Gumi Culture and Arts Center on the 25th. However, Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho announced an emergency statement on the morning of the 23rd, just two days before the performance, stating, “Considering the safety of citizens and audiences, we cancel the concert of Lee Seung-hwan scheduled for the 25th at the Gumi Culture and Arts Center.”
He explained, “Considering the purpose of establishing the Culture and Arts Center, the refusal to sign a pledge (not to engage in political agitation or misunderstandings), and the possibility of unpredictable physical clashes, we have no choice but to cancel the venue.”
In response, Lee Seung-hwan expressed, “I regret the unilateral decision by Gumi City to cancel the concert venue. I will promptly proceed with legal action against Gumi City. The legal and economic responsibilities arising from this unilateral and unjust cancellation should not be borne by Gumi City’s taxes, but by those who participated in this decision.”
He further stated, “I believe the real reason for the cancellation of the venue was the refusal to sign the pledge,” and criticized, “This incident is a matter of ‘freedom of expression.’ A public institution demanded that a creator sign a document stating they would not engage in ‘political misunderstandings’ in advance, and when they did not comply, disadvantages occurred. It is unfortunate and miserable.”
In relation to this, a preparatory meeting of 2,645 musicians, including singers, instrumentalists, producers, and critics, issued a statement titled “Do Not Block the Song” on the 23rd, stating, “The cultural and artistic activities of artists are basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” and expressed, “Nevertheless, we musicians are greatly disappointed and concerned that Gumi City unilaterally canceled Lee Seung-hwan's concert citing ‘safety.’”
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
