Hwang Youngwoong's Return to Local Festival Halted Over School Violence Controversy... Gangjin County Reconsiders His Participation

"Flood of Complaints to Gangjin County Office"
over "Inappropriate Invitation to Public Festival"

Hwang Youngwoong. MBN

As public backlash intensifies over singer Hwang Youngwoong's return to a local festival following his suspension due to school violence allegations, Gangjin County has begun to reconsider his participation.

The organizing committee for the "54th Gangjin Celadon Festival - Sound of Celadon Concert" in Gangjin County, South Jeolla Province, announced on the 23rd, "We are currently verifying the facts regarding the school violence allegations against Hwang Youngwoong." The committee added, "It has not been definitively decided that he will not appear at the festival," and continued, "We will make a careful decision after considering various opinions and the sentiments of local residents."

Golden Voice, Hwang's management agency, announced his return on the 22nd through the official fan cafe, stating, "You will be able to see him on stage at the event during the last weekend of February."

After news of his appearance broke, the festival bulletin board on the Gangjin County Office website was flooded with complaints. Posts criticized, "Is it appropriate to invite someone with a history of school violence controversy to a public festival?" and demanded, "Disclose the criteria for inviting guest singers." While some fans supported his appearance, saying his period of self-reflection had been sufficient, Gangjin County is reviewing the possibility of withdrawing his participation, taking into account the nature and public character of the festival.

Hwang withdrew voluntarily from the MBN audition program "Burning Trotman" in 2023, after being considered a finalist, when allegations of school violence, a prior assault conviction, and dating violence surfaced. He subsequently established a one-man agency and focused on activities centered around his fanbase. This festival would have marked his first performance for the general public in about three years, but he has faced opposition from local residents.

On the 22nd, Hwang posted on his fan cafe, "I have desperately wanted to sing, and I have reflected on my past and tried to become a better member of society," appealing, "Please give me an opportunity to live as a changed and improved person."

This concert, organized by MBC, will be held from February 28 to March 2, with performances by Kim Yongbin, Choi Sooho, Ahn Sunghoon, Kim Suchan, and others.