"'Refused to pledge no political statements'... The full story behind Lee Seunghwan's canceled Gumi concert"

Refusal to Pledge 'No Political Remarks'... Event Booking Canceled
Kim Jang-ho, Mayor of Gumi, "Unavoidable for Audience Safety"

Singer Lee Seunghwan's 35th anniversary debut concert was canceled due to the cancellation of the venue reservation in Gumi City, Gyeongbuk Province, and Lee Seunghwan hinted at the possibility of legal action against Gumi City.

Singer Lee Seunghwan.
[Photo by Lee Seunghwan Instagram]

On the morning of the 23rd, Gumi City announced the cancellation of the venue reservation for the ‘Lee Seunghwan 35th Anniversary Concert - HEAVEN’ scheduled for the 25th.

Mayor Kim Jang-ho of Gumi explained the background of the cancellation in a statement at the Gumi City Hall main conference room, saying, “It was an unavoidable decision made with the safety of citizens and audience as the top priority.”

Mayor Kim stated, “According to the Gumi City Cultural and Arts Center operation ordinance, venue reservations can be canceled if deemed necessary for public interest,” and added, “We judged that the performance could pose a threat to citizens’ safety.”

On the 10th, Gumi City sent an official letter to Lee Seunghwan’s side requesting restraint from political agitation and the preparation of safety measures, and asked for a pledge not to make political remarks. Mayor Kim emphasized, “However, Lee Seunghwan’s side refused this.”

Gumi City pointed out that Lee Seunghwan made impeachment-related remarks during his performance at the Suwon Gyeonggi Art Center on the 14th, saying, “We could not rule out the possibility of similar political remarks at the Gumi performance.” They also expressed concerns about potential physical clashes between conservative groups and the audience on the day of the concert.

Earlier, conservative groups such as the Free Republic of Korea Protection Corps held rallies urging the cancellation of the venue reservation, claiming that “Lee Seunghwan is using his popularity to engage in political agitation.” They criticized Lee Seunghwan’s political remarks during the impeachment concert and argued, “There is no guarantee he will not make political remarks again in Gumi.”

Notice regarding the Gumi concert from the law firm Haemaru on the 22nd.
[Photo by Lee Seunghwan Facebook]

In response, Lee Seunghwan stated on his social media, “I plan to promptly take legal action against Gumi City,” and expressed his determination to proceed with the concert, saying, “I will make it the best performance of my life,” but the concert was canceled due to Gumi City’s cancellation of the venue reservation.

He pointed out, “The venue demanded that the planning company and singer Lee Seunghwan sign a pledge stating ‘They will not engage in political agitation or politically misunderstood remarks or behavior’ according to the Gumi Cultural and Arts Center performance permission regulations, and mentioned that ‘failure to comply may result in cancellation.’”

He also criticized, “The demand for a ‘pledge’ that does not exist at all in the venue reservation regulations or usage permission, including a pledge from the performer who is not even a contracting party, and requiring submission by a specific time on Sunday (December 22, 2024, 2 p.m.) close to the reservation date while mentioning ‘cancellation of the venue reservation’ is an unfair demand.”

Lee Seunghwan appealed, “The dictionary definition of ‘agitation’ is ‘to incite others to take action or do something.’ I did not engage in ‘political agitation.’ Some theaters’ venue contracts include conditions that ‘performances with political purposes’ are not allowed, but since my performance was not an event with a ‘political purpose,’ there has never been a problem with venue reservations until now.”

He emphasized, “Having to receive demands to ‘sign a document pledging not to make politically misunderstood remarks or behavior’ right before the performance, and that ‘if you don’t sign, the performance may be canceled’ is something that should never happen in the Republic of Korea, a democratic country that values freedom of expression as the highest value.”

He continued, “In December 2024, a musician was forced to ‘step on a cross’ right before a performance, and because that itself was unfair, he refused. Then the performance was canceled. This incident is a matter of ‘freedom of expression.’ A public institution demanded in advance that the creator sign a document pledging not to make politically misunderstood remarks or behavior, and when that demand was not met, disadvantages occurred. It is regrettable and miserable. I will point out and change these issues to raise the level of our society again.”

Regarding the conservative groups’ protest rallies and the cancellation of the venue reservation, Lee Seunghwan stated, “I will do my best for the safety of the audience,” and showed his determination to “sing until my whole body breaks,” but the concert was ultimately canceled.

This incident sparked a debate over the boundary between political remarks and artistic expression. Before the concert, Lee Seunghwan expressed regret, saying, “The Gumi concert would have been the first in 35 years since my debut,” and the tickets were sold out, showing high interest. He also stated that he would provide legal protection for concert attendees and support legal procedures in case of damages caused by rallies or demonstrations.

On the 22nd, Lee Seunghwan announced through the law firm Haemaru, “Lee Seunghwan requested legal protection for his fans. If any damage occurs due to rallies or demonstrations during attendance or viewing of the Gumi concert, please inform us. Law firm Haemaru will handle legal procedures to recover damages for concert attendees. All legal costs will be borne by Lee Seunghwan.”

Lee Seunghwan is currently conducting a nationwide tour including the Gumi concert and plans to continue meeting fans through scheduled performances in Gimhae, Cheonan, Jinju, and other locations.