By Pyo Kyung-min
Singer Lee Seung-hwan / Courtesy of Dream Factory
The cancellation of singer Lee Seung-hwan’s Christmas Day concert by Gumi, a city in southeastern Korea known as a conservative stronghold, has sparked controversy.
The city, located in North Gyeongsang Province, cited safety concerns, but the decision has faced backlash, with many accusing the authorities of political bias and undermining artistic freedom.
Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho announced the decision on Monday during a press briefing, revealing that the city had officially informed the concert organizers of the cancellation at 9 a.m. that morning. The concert, originally set for Wednesday at the Gumi Art Center, was part of Lee Seung-hwan’s 35th anniversary of his debut tour, titled "HEAVEN."
The cancellation follows controversy surrounding Lee's participation in the "impeachment concert" in Yeouido, Seoul, on Dec. 13, a day before the National Assembly voted on a second impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee's performance sparked a backlash from conservative groups, with 13 organizations staging a protest in front of Gumi City Hall last Thursday to oppose Lee's upcoming concert.
In their statement, the conservative groups accused the singer of exploiting his popularity to promote political division.
"At a time when the nation faces economic and political crises due to the president's impeachment, Lee Seung-hwan is pushing forward with a concert in Gumi under the guise of charity. We demand the city immediately cancel the venue reservation for an artist who has taken the stage to support impeachment and foster division among citizens," the statement read.
The mayor's announcement Monday aligned with the conservative groups' demands.
"We had no choice but to cancel the concert for safety reasons, given concerns about potential physical clashes between attendees and conservative groups," Kim said. "Public safety is our top priority."
Lee, however, strongly criticized the city's decision. "I am deeply disappointed by Gumi City's unilateral decision to cancel the concert. I plan to take swift legal action against the city," he said in a social media post later on Monday.
He also issued an apology to fans. "Many fans have been affected — not just by losing the ticket cost but also expenses for transportation and accommodation. Most of all, their plans to enjoy a Christmas performance were canceled. I sincerely apologize," Lee wrote. He described the incident as a matter of "freedom of expression" and vowed to raise awareness and seek change.
The concert had already sold 1,104 tickets, with prices ranging from 121,000 to 154,000 won ($83 to 106) depending on seating.
Lee's tour began on Dec. 14 at the Gyeonggi Arts Center in Suwon. After the canceled Gumi performance, the tour is scheduled to continue in Gimhae on Dec. 29, Cheonan on Jan. 4, Jinju on Jan. 11, Cheongju on Jan. 18, Seongnam on Jan. 25, Yongin on Feb. 22 and conclude at the Seoul Olympic Park's Handball Stadium on March 15 and 16.
English (United States) ·