Lee Seung Hwan Responds to Concert Cancellation in Gumi

Lee Seung Hwan (이승환) has spoken out following the abrupt cancellation of his concert scheduled for December 25, 2024, at the Gumi Culture and Arts Center (구미문화예술회관), just two days before the event. On December 23, he took to his personal social media to express his disappointment regarding the unilateral decision made by the Gumi city officials.

In his lengthy statement, Lee stated, "I regret the Gumi city's one-sided cancellation of the concert. I plan to take legal action against the city promptly. The legal and financial responsibilities arising from this unjust cancellation should not fall on the taxpayers of Gumi but rather on those who participated in this decision."

He further claimed that the real reason behind the cancellation was his refusal to sign a document that prohibited any political statements or actions. Lee noted that during a press conference on December 23, the Gumi mayor mentioned this issue multiple times. He explained that on December 20, the venue sent a letter to the concert planning company, demanding that both the company and Lee sign a pledge stating they would not engage in any political incitement or misunderstandings, warning that failure to comply could lead to cancellation.

Lee criticized the demand for a pledge that was not part of the venue's regulations and insisted that it was unreasonable to require such a document from an artist, especially on such short notice. He stated, "The definition of 'incitement' is to encourage others to take action. I do not engage in political incitement. While some venues have clauses against politically motivated performances, my concert has never been categorized as such."

He expressed frustration over the ambiguity of what constitutes a 'political misunderstanding,' questioning whether even benign statements could be misconstrued.

Reflecting on his 35-year career, Lee expressed pride in having helped develop the South Korean concert scene, stating, "I have confidence that my performances are the best. However, to be asked to sign a document stating I will not engage in political misunderstandings just before my concert is unacceptable in a democratic country that values freedom of expression."

He lamented the impact of the cancellation on his fans, stating, "Many fans have been affected, not just by the loss of ticket costs but also travel and accommodation expenses. Most importantly, the anticipation of enjoying a concert on Christmas Day has been taken away. I sincerely apologize to my fans."

In conclusion, Lee emphasized that this incident raises significant issues regarding freedom of expression, stating, "Public institutions should not demand that creators sign documents restricting their speech. It is unfortunate and disheartening. I will work to highlight and address these issues to elevate the standards of our society."