"Concert to Celebrate Special City Promotion... Anticipated Excitement"
Recently, singer Lee Seung-hwan's concert in Gumi was canceled, and Jeong Myeong-geun, the mayor of Hwaseong City, has proposed 'Hwaseong City' as an alternative. Earlier, the conflict between the city and Lee Seung-hwan escalated after Gumi City canceled the venue rental for Lee Seung-hwan's concert.
On the 24th, Mayor Jeong posted on his official Instagram account, "I heard the news that Lee Seung-hwan's nationwide tour concert in Gumi was unilaterally canceled," adding, "I understand how unfair this absurd situation must feel to artist Lee Seung-hwan."
He continued, "We respectfully propose Hwaseong City as the concert venue," emphasizing, "With Hwaseong's elevation to a special city status, having a live performance master like artist Lee Seung-hwan perform here would greatly please the citizens who are thirsty for cultural enjoyment."
He added, "A concert titled 'HEAVEN in Hwaseong Special City' to celebrate Lee Seung-hwan's 35th debut anniversary would be highly anticipated."
Currently on a nationwide tour, Lee Seung-hwan was scheduled to hold a concert at Gumi Arts Center on Christmas Day, the 25th, but it was effectively canceled after Gumi City revoked the venue rental on the 23rd. Lee Seung-hwan issued an official statement on social media, expressing regret over the cancellation decision and stating, "We plan to promptly take legal action against Gumi City."
He also criticized, "The legal and economic responsibilities arising from this unjust cancellation should be borne not by Gumi City's taxpayers but by those involved in making this decision."
Jung Myung-geun, mayor of Hwaseong City, proposed holding the Lee Seung-hwan concert in Hwaseong instead of Gumi. Instagram capture
Earlier, Kim Jang-ho, mayor of Gumi City, announced an 'urgent statement' at 11 a.m. in the main conference room of Gumi City Hall, declaring the cancellation of Lee Seung-hwan's concert. Gumi City reportedly canceled the concert for safety reasons, fearing physical clashes between the audience and conservative groups.
Lee Seung-hwan opposed the city's stance, saying, "I cannot agree. We requested concert attendees to maintain physical distance from the opposing protest groups and to refrain from any behavior that might provoke them," adding, "We decided to increase on-site security personnel and notified the venue accordingly."
He also claimed that the real reason for Gumi City's cancellation was related to a 'pledge.' Lee Seung-hwan stated, "On the 20th, Gumi Arts Center sent an official letter to the concert planning company demanding a signed pledge stating 'no political agitation or politically misunderstood remarks' would be made," and criticized, "This demand, which does not exist in the venue rental regulations or usage permissions, and requiring even the performers, who are not contracting parties, to submit such a pledge is unfair."
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