The appeal trial for a damages lawsuit filed by singer Lee Seung-hwan against the city of Gumi and Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho over the cancellation of his Gumi concert in 2024 began on the 3rd.

The 9th Civil Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Lee Jae-kwon) held the first hearing for the damages lawsuit filed by Lee, his agency Dream Factory, and people who had reserved tickets for the Gumi concert.

Lee's legal representative stated during the appeal trial, "We need to verify through direct statements what the mayor was thinking at the time the problematic disposition was decided," requesting a party examination of Mayor Kim.

On the other hand, the city of Gumi argued, "The concert was canceled for safety reasons, not because of Lee's political leanings," adding, "Having Mayor Kim appear in court is irrelevant to the core issues."

After listening to both sides, the court decided to determine later whether to conduct a party examination of Mayor Kim.

The court asked the city of Gumi to clearly state the reason for the cancellation, pointing out, "The reasons why the venue rental was canceled do not seem clear," and asked whether it was due to concerns over political remarks or safety concerns.

The court also asked Lee's side to "specifically explain the claim that safety concerns were merely an excuse and that the concert was canceled for political reasons."

The court decided to continue the arguments on the 15th of next month.

Previously, the city of Gumi canceled the venue rental for Lee's 35th-debut-anniversary concert on December 23, 2024, two days before the event, citing the safety of citizens and audience members.

At the time, Mayor Kim stated that Lee's side had failed to comply with a request to submit a written pledge promising not to make political remarks or actions.

In response, Lee's side filed a damage lawsuit in January of last year, claiming that the demand for the pledge and the cancellation of the venue rental were unjust.

The first trial ruled that the city of Gumi must pay a total of 125 million won in damages to Lee, his agency, and ticket holders.

(Photo: Yonhap News)