Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho Explains Reasons Behind Lee Seunghwan Concert Cancellation

Citizen Safety Takes Priority Over Politics
Unavoidable Decision Due to Increased Risk of Physical Clashes

Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province has officially explained the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of singer Lee Seunghwan's concert in Gumi, which was called off in December last year. The city emphasized, "The cancellation was not a political decision but an unavoidable measure to ensure the safety of citizens."

Gyeongbuk Gumi City Hall exterior. Photo by Byunggeon Kwon

According to the city, Lee Seunghwan applied in July last year to rent the Gumi Arts Center for a Christmas concert scheduled for December 25, and the city granted permission for the event without any conditions. However, in early December, as Lee continued to make political statements on social media and at rallies, conflicts surrounding the concert intensified.

After the first protest against the concert was held in Gumi on December 19, there were growing movements nationwide for group attendance and participation in rallies, increasing the possibility of physical clashes both inside and outside the venue. The city sought advice from experts twice and confirmed the opinion that "if clashes occur, it would be difficult to control the situation on site."

The Gumi city government requested Lee Seunghwan's side to proceed with the concert but refrain from making political statements, asking for cooperation to ensure safety. However, this request was rejected, and Lee's side announced plans for legal action. As a result, the city decided to cancel the concert on December 23.

Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho stated, "We made every effort to reach an agreement throughout the cancellation process, but protecting the safety of citizens was the top priority," and added, "The decision was based on the principle that the concert hall should be a space where all citizens can safely enjoy culture."

At the time, Lee Seunghwan reportedly provoked opposition groups by posting on social media, "Thank you. Conservative right-wing organizations," upon news that the tickets had sold out.

The city of Gumi reiterated, "We have made citizen safety our highest priority, taking lessons from recent disasters that occurred at large-scale events."