Seunghwan Lee posted on his Instagram on the 23rd, “Gumi City says it was a ‘decision for safety’, but I cannot agree with it.” “We have asked you to refrain from saying or doing anything that could be provocative,” he said.
He continued, “We told the hall, ‘If you send us a map showing the location where the assembly has been reported, we will notify the audience so that they can avoid the location or maintain their distance while moving.’” “We decided to increase security personnel and notified the hall of this,” he pointed out, adding, “Gumi City should have ensured appropriate assemblies and demonstrations through the police, while also protecting visitors’ rights to enjoy culture.”
Along with the article, Seung-Hwan Lee posted a pledge containing the content, ‘I will not use words or actions such as political incitement or political misunderstanding.’ This pledge does not have the seal of Lee Seung-hwan or his agency.
Seung-hwan Lee said, “It appears that the real reason for the cancellation of the venue was ‘refusal to sign the pledge,’” and added, “This was mentioned several times at the Gumi Mayor’s press conference about the cancellation of the venue on December 23, 2024. An official letter was sent to the agency’s representative and singer Lee Seung-hwan, requesting them to sign the pledge (see attached picture) and stating that ‘if not fulfilled, it may be cancelled’. “It was mentioned,” he said.
He said, “The request to write a ‘pledge’ that does not exist in the rental regulations and usage permission, including a pledge from a performer who is not a party to the contract, was made close to the rental date, even at a specific time on Sunday (afternoon on December 22, 2024). “It is an unfair request to request submission by 2 p.m. and mention ‘cancellation of rental,’” he said. “I confirmed through a law firm that the hall has no intention of signing on December 22, 2024.” “It was revealed,” he explained.
Seunghwan Lee said, “The dictionary definition of ‘incitement’ is ‘inciting others to do something or take action.’” He added, “I do not engage in ‘political instigation,’ and some theaters’ rental agreements state that it is ‘a performance with a political purpose.’” “There is a condition that rentals are not permitted, but since my performance was not an event for ‘political purposes,’ there has never been a problem with rentals so far,” he said.
Also, “What is ‘political misunderstanding’? ‘Aren’t you guys frustrated these days?’ ‘Everyone, are you feeling comfortable these days?’ He appealed, saying, “Please don’t say anything because anything you say will be misunderstood.”
Seunghwan Lee said, “I am proud that I have branded and systematized the barren performing arts industry in Korea while living as a singer for 35 years.” He added, “Right before the performance date, I was told, ‘Write your name on a document saying you will not say or do anything that is politically misunderstanding.’ ‘If you don’t write your name, the performance will be cancelled. “To have to be asked to ‘may’ is something that should not happen in the Republic of Korea, a democratic country where freedom of expression is the top priority,” he emphasized.
He said, “Many fans have suffered damage,” adding, “Not only will there be ticket costs, but there will also be transportation and lodging costs, and most of all, the daily routine of looking forward to seeing a performance on Christmas Day has been cancelled. On behalf of them, I apologize.”
Earlier, at 11 am on this day, Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho announced, “We are canceling the Lee Seung-hwan concert scheduled to be held at the Gumi City Culture and Arts Center on the 25th.” “We came to a conclusion in this direction,” he said.
He also said, “On the 10th, we sent an official letter emphasizing the conditions for permission from the standpoint that performances at the Culture and Arts Center may not be in the public interest, expressed concerns over the phone, and requested that political agitation be refrained.” Lee Seung-hwan said through his legal representative, He pointed out, “We have clearly expressed our opposition in writing, saying, ‘I have no intention of signing the attached pledge not to make any political comments or actions.’”
He continued, “Lee Seung-hwan said at a performance in Suwon on the 14th where the impeachment bill was passed, ‘It’s good that the impeachment was done. I was investigated during the time of President Lee Myung-bak, and I didn’t feel at ease even during the time of President Park Geun-hye. I think it will be a comfortable world from now on.'” In response to Gumi City’s request for cooperation on citizen safety, the statement “Thank you, conservative right-wing groups,” was a statement that could very well be viewed as ridicule and cynicism by civic groups, raising concerns among citizens and audiences. “It has created a situation where safety is even more of a concern,” he added.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Kyeong-eun Photo News 1
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