Harim on Lee Seunghwan's Concert Cancellation: "A Foolish Act... Singers Must Raise Their Voices"

"My Uncle Is a 5·18 Victim... Many Thoughts Come to Mind"

Recently, Harim, a fellow singer, criticized Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province for canceling singer Lee Seunghwan's concert, calling it a "foolish act."

On the 25th, Harim appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "(Singers) naturally expressing their opinions is what makes a healthy society." He added, "I usually voice (political) opinions, and although some people view this with concern or find it uncomfortable, I am fine with it."

Singer Harim. Photo by MBC Broadcasting.

He said, "My maternal uncle was beaten by soldiers during the May 18 Democratic Uprising, and he suffered health problems for the rest of his life before passing away, but I did not actively share this news," explaining, "Because my family kept it quiet. After learning about it later, I had many thoughts."

He also pointed out, "For me, the word 'martial law' reveals a family wound," and added, "More than anything, didn't everyone lose their year-end celebrations?"

Currently, Lee Seunghwan is conducting a nationwide tour to celebrate his 35th anniversary since debut. He was scheduled to hold a concert in Gumi the day before, but on the 23rd, Gumi city canceled the reservation of the Cultural and Arts Center where the concert was to be held. Gumi explained the reason as "safety concerns."

However, Lee Seunghwan's side strongly opposed this decision, announcing "legal action." In a post on his personal SNS, Lee wrote, "Although they said it was a decision for safety, I cannot agree, and I believe the real reason was the refusal to sign a pledge not to engage in political speech," criticizing, "Those involved in the cancellation decision should bear the legal and economic responsibilities, not the taxpayers of Gumi."

Meanwhile, Harim is one of the singers who has publicly criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law on the 3rd. On the 24th, he also performed at a rally calling for President Yoon's impeachment. At that time, he performed hit songs such as 'Love Is Forgotten by Another Love' and 'Departure.'