Musicians Condemn Lee Seunghwan's Gumi City Venue Cancellation: "Don't Block the Song"

"An Artist's Activities Are Fundamental Rights Guaranteed by the Constitution"

Musicians have strongly criticized and issued a condemnation statement against Gumi City over the cancellation of singer Lee Seunghwan's concert.

Singer Lee Seunghwan.
[Photo by Instagram]

The Musicians' Declaration Preparatory Group released an urgent statement on the 23rd titled "Don't Stop the Song! Cultural and artistic activities of artists are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution," expressing deep disappointment and concern over Gumi City's decision.

Gumi City canceled Lee Seunghwan's concert, scheduled for the 25th, the day before due to "safety reasons." However, musicians criticized Gumi City's "safety concerns" as "an avoidance of conflicts that should be resolved administratively and an evasion of responsibility by taking the easy option of canceling the performance."

The Musicians' Declaration Preparatory Group pointed out, "Gumi City was once a symbol of South Korea's industrialization and a city where the dreams of young people grew, but with this decision, it has degenerated into a city that suppresses freedom of expression and infringes on citizens' cultural enjoyment rights."

They also stated, "The Constitution of the Republic of Korea guarantees the freedom of art for all citizens," and "Artists must be protected in their creative and expressive activities regardless of political views. Gumi City's decision is a direct violation of constitutional values."

Gumi City, Gyeongbuk, canceled singer Lee Seunghwan's concert, prompting musicians to issue a statement condemning the city.
[Photo provided by = Musicians' Declaration Preparation Group]

Through the statement, they strongly demanded ▲the withdrawal of Gumi City's venue cancellation decision ▲an official apology from Mayor Kim Jang-ho of Gumi ▲the establishment of institutional measures to guarantee the independence and fairness of cultural and artistic administration ▲the protection of citizens' cultural enjoyment rights ▲and the cessation of attempts at artistic censorship.

Lee Seunghwan expressed "deep regret" over Gumi City's venue cancellation decision and has announced plans for legal action. The concert was sold out before the cancellation, but it is known that some conservative right-wing groups opposed the performance due to his political remarks and called for its cancellation.

Currently, 2,645 musicians are participating in the Musicians' Declaration. They also issued a statement on the 18th criticizing President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law.

Gumi City's decision has sparked debate over the boundary between art and political controversy, once again putting the independence of the cultural and artistic community and freedom of expression under scrutiny.