Lee Seung Hwan Wins Lawsuit Over Gumi Concert Cancellation

In a lawsuit for damages related to the wrongful cancellation of singer Lee Seung-hwan's concert in Gumi, the court has ordered Gumi City to pay 125 million won in damages. On the 8th, Seoul Central District Court Judge Park Nam-joon ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, Lee Seung-hwan and his agency Dream Factory, in their lawsuit against Gumi City and Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho, stating "partial victory for the plaintiffs." Gumi City is ordered to pay Lee Seung-hwan 35 million won, his agency 75 million won, and 100 ticket purchasers 150,000 won each.

Initially, Lee Seung-hwan's side had sought a total of 250 million won in damages: 100 million won for Lee Seung-hwan, 100 million won for his agency, and 500,000 won for each of the 100 ticket purchasers. However, the court accepted a significant portion of this claim. However, the court only recognized Gumi City's liability for damages and did not acknowledge any personal liability for Mayor Kim Jang-ho.

Lee Seung-hwan's legal representative stated, "This ruling sets an important precedent for freedom of expression and freedom of performance," and announced their intention to appeal to have Mayor Kim held responsible. Lee Seung-hwan also released a statement expressing his disappointment with the ruling, emphasizing, "​I will appeal and seek justice to the end." He added, "I will protect the conscience of musicians and the freedom of art, which should never be infringed upon."

Previously, on December 23, 2024, Gumi City canceled the venue rental for Lee Seung-hwan's 35th-anniversary concert 'Heaven,' just two days before the event, citing reasons of citizen and audience safety. At the time, Mayor Kim stated that he had demanded a written pledge from Lee Seung-hwan's side not to engage in political speech, and that the concert cancellation was decided upon when this was not met. Lee Seung-hwan's side argued that the demand for a written pledge and the unilateral cancellation of the venue use permit constituted illegal activity and filed a lawsuit for damages in January of last year.

Lee Seung-hwan's side also filed a constitutional complaint with the Constitutional Court, arguing that the act of demanding a written pledge violated freedom of expression. However, in March of last year, the Constitutional Court dismissed the complaint at the preliminary review stage, deeming it "inadmissible and its deficiencies uncorrectable." Following the ruling, Lee Seung-hwan posted on his social media, stating, "The court today acknowledged the illegality of forcing the written pledge, the unlawfulness of the unilateral concert cancellation, and Gumi City's irresponsibility in failing to take safety measures." However, he expressed regret that Mayor Kim could not be held liable. He reiterated his commitment to protecting artistic freedom, stating, "I will not stop here. I will appeal and seek justice to the end."