Gwangju Mayor's Concert Proposal Met with Lee Seunghwan's Response: "Sanctuary of Democratization... Looking Forward"

Mayor Kang Gijeong Posts Invitation for Singer Lee Seunghwan to Gwangju
Gwangju City Receives Contact from Sound Company and Discusses Concert Arrangements

Gumi City in Gyeongbuk Province canceled the booking of singer Lee Seung-hwan's concert venue, and Mayor Kang Ki-jung of Gwangju proposed holding the concert in Gwangju. Lee Seung-hwan responded, "I look forward to the performance."

On the 24th, Mayor Kang posted on social media (SNS) mentioning the concert cancellation, saying, "Then let's do it in Gwangju. I invite singer Lee Seung-hwan to Gwangju." He added, "How absurd and ridiculous must the martial law have been for K-Pop-supporting youth to take to the streets with light sticks?" and "The energy that keeps us from getting tired is K-Pop."

Kang Ki-jung, Mayor of Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

In response to Mayor Kang's post, Lee Seung-hwan replied in the comments, "Thank you. I look forward to performing in Gwangju, the holy ground of democratization," and said, "Since I do not have a manager, the representative of the sound company, a partner company, will contact you."

On the same day, Gwangju City received contact from the sound company in the afternoon and decided to discuss the concert arrangements.

Singer Lee Seunghwan. Official Instagram of Lee Seunghwan

Meanwhile, earlier, Gumi City canceled the booking of the venue for Lee Seung-hwan's 35th debut anniversary concert, scheduled to be held at the Gumi City Culture and Arts Center on the 25th, citing concerns for citizens' safety and refusal to sign a pledge prohibiting political agitation. Lee Seung-hwan posted on his SNS, stating, "Gumi City made an unfair demand to sign a pledge. Since my performance was not a politically motivated event, there has never been an issue with venue booking until now," and announced legal action.

Not only Mayor Kang but also Mayor Jeong Myeong-geun of Hwaseong City posted on SNS on the same day, proposing a concert in 'Hwaseong City.' Mayor Jeong said, "To celebrate Hwaseong's elevation to a special city, it would be great if a live performance master like artist Lee Seung-hwan could perform in Hwaseong City, which would greatly please citizens who are thirsty for cultural enjoyment." He added, "The 'HEAVEN in Hwaseong Special City' concert for Lee Seung-hwan's 35th debut anniversary would be very exciting."