Gyeongbuk Gumi Cancels Lee Seunghwan Concert Venue Booking
Lee Seunghwan Refuses to Pledge 'No Political Remarks'
Concert in Gimhae on 29th...Netizens Debate Intensely
Recently, Gumi City in Gyeongbuk canceled the booking of singer Lee Seunghwan's concert venue for safety reasons, drawing attention to the next concert location, Gimhae City in Gyeongnam. Lee Seunghwan is scheduled to hold a concert at the Maru Hall of Gimhae Culture and Arts Center on the 29th.
On the 26th, numerous complaints related to Lee Seunghwan's concert were posted on the free bulletin board and the 'Requests to the Mayor' board on the Gimhae City website. Some citizens argued that, like Gumi City, the concert booking should be canceled because Lee Seunghwan has made political statements.
They expressed opinions such as, "(Lee Seunghwan) is not holding a concert but highlighting his political stance to incite the public and cause conflicts," and "He has the freedom to sing, but since he consistently voices biased opinions and disappoints one side, please cancel Lee Seunghwan's booking."
On the other hand, rebuttal posts appeared stating, "This is an ideological censorship unimaginable in the current era and an act aimed at destroying democracy in the Republic of Korea," and "We grew up as democratic citizens respecting diverse opinions in a peaceful and free environment. It is possible to dislike a particular singer or have different political views. But is it right to pick on that and interfere with someone’s livelihood and cultural performance like this?"
Lee Seunghwan took the stage at the candlelight cultural rally for the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol held in front of the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 13th. At that time, he said, "I am a professional singer for impeachment rallies. I stood at the 2016 Park Geun-hye resignation rallies," adding, "I thought I would never stand on such rally stages again, but I regret coming again in my old age and with mobility difficulties."
He continued, "People misunderstand me as a communist, but I was born in Busan and went through the conservative elite course of Gangnam 8 school districts," adding, "If such a person has come this far, think about why. I am for capitalism and democracy. I hope this ends tomorrow. I no longer want to participate in rallies."
On the 23rd, Kim Jang-ho, mayor of Gumi City, announced, "We are canceling Lee Seunghwan's concert considering the safety of citizens and audiences," citing Article 9 of the Gumi City Culture and Arts Center Operation Ordinance. Mayor Kim requested Lee Seunghwan’s side to submit a safety personnel deployment plan and a pledge not to engage in 'political agitation or statements causing misunderstandings,' but Lee Seunghwan, through his legal representative, expressed that he had no intention to sign the attached pledge.
In response, Lee Seunghwan stated, "Gumi City claims the decision was for safety, but I cannot agree," and warned of legal action, saying, "The legal and economic responsibilities arising from the cancellation decision should be borne not by Gumi City's taxpayers but by those involved in making this decision."
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