Lee Seunghwan Files Constitutional Complaint Against Gumi Mayor Over 'Venue Cancellation'..."Will Go to the End"

"Infringement of Freedom of Conscience, Art, and Expression... I Will See This Through to the End"

Gumi City in Gyeongbuk Province has requested a pledge to 'refrain from political agitation' during the venue rental process, and singer Lee Seung-hwan has filed a constitutional complaint, stating that it infringes on freedom of conscience, freedom of art, and freedom of expression.

Singer Lee Seunghwan (left) posted the constitutional appeal petition on his Instagram.

On the 6th, Lee posted on his social media (SNS), "On December 20, 2024, I seek the Constitutional Court's judgment on the infringement of freedom of conscience, freedom of art, and freedom of expression by the mayor of Gumi," adding, "(My agency) Dream Factory will pursue this to the end." Earlier last month, Lee also filed a lawsuit seeking 250 million won in damages against Mayor Kim Jang-ho of Gumi and Gumi City at the Seoul Central District Court.

On December 25 last year, Gumi City decided to cancel Lee's concert scheduled to be held at the Gumi Culture and Arts Center's main performance hall.

At that time, Gumi City requested Lee to sign a pledge stating that he would "not engage in political agitation or make statements that could cause misunderstandings," but Lee's side refused. Subsequently, Gumi City cited opposition protests from conservative groups in the Gumi area, who were against Lee's performance at a rally calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol, and announced the cancellation for the safety of citizens and audience members.

In response, Lee said, "Gumi City made an unreasonable demand to submit the pledge by a specific time close to the rental date," adding, "In December 2024, a musician was forced to 'step on the cross' just before a performance, which was itself unfair, so I refused, and the concert was canceled."