The Korean Popular Music Performance Industry Association has released a statement regarding the unilateral cancellation of Lee Seung-hwan's Gumi concert.
On the 8th, the Korean Popular Music Performance Industry Association (hereinafter referred to as "the Association") expressed deep regret over the unilateral cancellation of Lee Seung-hwan's Gumi concert, which was scheduled for the 25th of last month, in a statement directed at the city of Gumi and its mayor. They also demanded a sincere apology and compensation for the audience and those involved in the performance who were affected by this decision.
On December 23 of last year, Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho issued an emergency statement, stating, "Considering the purpose of establishing the cultural arts center, the refusal to sign a pledge not to engage in political agitation or misunderstandings, and the possibility of unforeseen physical conflicts, it is unavoidable to cancel the venue rental."
In this regard, the Association criticized, "This act disregards not just one artist but the entire Korean popular music performance industry and popular culture and arts." They particularly pointed out that "betraying the expectations of countless audience members who have been waiting for the performance and depriving them of the opportunity to enjoy local culture is a clear injustice."
The Association emphasized that a sincere apology and adequate compensation for the audience and professional staff affected by the concert cancellation should be made, adding, "We demand that clear standards for concert cancellations be established as a result of this incident, and that these standards be operated transparently and objectively." They also stated, "The Association will continue to do its best to protect the rights of artists, audiences, and those involved in performances."
Meanwhile, Lee Seung-hwan has responded to the cancellation notice regarding the concert venue, stating, "The Gumi city side claims it was a decision for safety, but I cannot agree," arguing that the reason for cancellation was the refusal to sign a pledge related to 'prohibition of political speech.' Lee Seung-hwan's side has initiated a lawsuit for damages against Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho and is also seeking a constitutional review to confirm that the demand for the pledge is unconstitutional.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
Korean Popular Music Performance Industry Association Statement
The Korean Popular Music Performance Industry Association (hereinafter referred to as "the Association") condemns the unilateral cancellation of singer Lee Seung-hwan's
1. The Association expresses deep regret over the sudden cancellation of the venue rental for the Lee Seung-hwan Gumi performance, which was scheduled for December 25 of last year, due to the refusal to sign a one-sided pledge. Although the reason for the cancellation was stated as 'citizen safety' in a press conference, the city and the mayor had not previously disclosed any safety measures, and despite having ample time for sufficient discussions and agreements for a smooth performance, they presented a sudden and unilateral pledge, shifting all responsibility onto the planning company and the artist. This can be seen as an admission that the city and the mayor view popular culture and arts strictly from a perspective of power dynamics. Therefore, we demand a clear explanation regarding the lack of proactive discussions beforehand and a pledge containing measures to prevent recurrence in the future.
2. The Lee Seung-hwan Gumi performance was neither a free concert open to everyone nor an outdoor event accessible to all. It was a paid concert specifically for audiences who respect the artist Lee Seung-hwan and his music, and all seats were sold out. As the quality and advancement of culture have improved, the term 'venue rental service' is now used in the popular culture and arts sector. Venues charge rental fees to ensure that they make their best efforts to provide a high-quality performance for users (artists, organizers, staff, etc.) and audiences. The planning company or creator paying the rental fee holds the status of a customer at the venue. The Lee Seung-hwan Gumi performance is known to have been prepared as part of a national tour, not as a jointly planned or guaranteed invitation performance with the local government.
Considering the claims of some citizens unrelated to the performance and the isolation of those claims, easily discarding the opportunity for the users who prepared the performance through proper procedures and the audience who have been waiting for it, as well as other Gumi citizens' rare opportunity to enjoy culture, is a clear indication that the city and the mayor regard popular culture and arts merely as tools or accessories of politics. Therefore, we demand a clear answer from the city and the mayor regarding whether they will continue to impose unilateral and ambiguous regulations that are difficult to find in any other venue against the interests of users and audiences.
3. From the cancellation notice to the present, neither the city nor the mayor has made a single statement regarding the damages and remedies for Lee Seung-hwan, over 1,000 audience members, the performance planning company, participating companies, and personnel. As is already known, December 25 of last year is a peak season in the performance market, and the aforementioned individuals have incurred losses not only in terms of precious time and considerable costs that were promised in advance but also in planning costs due to the sudden cancellation notice. In a democratic country, when someone makes an administrative decision that affects the private sector, the social repercussions and scale of damage caused by that decision, as well as the rights and freedoms of individuals, must be fully considered, and responsibility must accompany it. We demand that the city and the mayor provide a sincere apology along with prompt and practical compensation for those who have suffered direct and indirect damages due to the unilateral and sudden cancellation notice.
In the free democratic country of South Korea, just as individual opinions are respected and guaranteed by law, popular culture and arts must also ensure diversity and creative freedom, and should never be swayed by anyone's narrow decisions or external pressures in their expression and process.
Therefore, the Korean Popular Music Performance Industry Association hopes that this incident will lead to the establishment of a foundation that guarantees the creative activities of popular culture artists and respects the audiences who engage in that creativity, and we will do our utmost for the industrialization of more advanced popular music performances and the rights of those involved. Thank you.
January 8, 2025
Korean Popular Music Performance Industry Association
