Singer Lee Seung-hwan Demands Apology from Gumi Mayor, Pledges to Donate Full Compensation

Singer Lee Seung-hwan has announced his intention to donate the full amount of compensation awarded to him following the cancellation of his concert in Gumi, while publicly demanding an apology from Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho.

On May 11, Lee posted a long statement on his social media account, saying, "As stated in the court ruling, the risks surrounding the concert were merely vague speculations, and efforts for safety were not even properly reviewed." He added, "I was appalled to see the person who led such city administration write deceptive words once again."

Addressing Mayor Kim Jang-ho directly, he urged, "At times like this, one should be honest and straightforward. A simple, honest statement like, 'Brother, I was wrong,' would be enough." He further pressed for a public apology, stating, "Politics is not about technique or deception, but about sincerity and truth."

Notably, Lee stated, "If you offer a sincere word, I will accept the entire first-instance ruling, including the liability of defendant Kim Jang-ho." He continued, "Regardless of whether Kim Jang-ho apologizes, I will not appeal against the city of Gumi. This is because I do not want the city of Gumi to bear any compensation liability beyond the first-instance ruling." He also announced that, excluding legal fees, the full compensation awarded to him and his agency will be donated to the 'Our Dream-Light Youth Orchestra' in Gumi.

Previously, Judge Park Nam-jun of the 913th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court ruled partially in favor of the plaintiff in the first-instance verdict held on May 8. The court ordered the city of Gumi to pay 35 million won to Lee Seung-hwan and 75 million won to Dream Factory Club, and to pay 150,000 won each to 100 concert ticket holders. However, the court did not recognize the personal liability of Mayor Kim Jang-ho.

In response, Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho sparked controversy on May 9 by posting on his social media, "Regarding the safety of citizens, I will not back down in accordance with the law and principles, and I will continue to work with the lives and safety of citizens as my top priority."

The conflict began when Lee Seung-hwan's concert, 'HEAVEN,' scheduled for December 25, 2024, at the Gumi Arts Center, was abruptly canceled two days before the event. At the time, the city of Gumi canceled the venue rental citing the possibility of protest rallies by some civic groups and safety concerns. The city demanded that Lee's side sign a pledge stating they would "not engage in political agitation or words and actions that could cause political misunderstanding." However, the concert was canceled after Lee's side refused to sign.



Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.