Singer Lee Seung-hwan slams mayor over concert cancellation appeal

Singer Lee Seung-hwan has directly criticized Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho following the city's decision to appeal a court ruling that favored the singer in a concert cancellation dispute. Lee accused the mayor of hiding behind the city's administration and using taxpayer money to cover up his alleged falsehoods.

"Cowardly and timid Jang-ho has ultimately hidden behind Gumi City because Gumi City decided to appeal," Lee wrote on social media. He further stated, "The delay interest rate applied to the damages is 12% per year. Gumi's tax money is being used as payment for lies. I regret it all."

The Gumi City Hall canceled Lee's concert, scheduled for December 25, 2024, just two days prior. The cancellation was reportedly due to Lee's past remarks at another concert, where he expressed happiness about the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying, "It's good that he was impeached. It seems like we will have a comfortable world from now on." Local civic groups had announced protests against the concert following these comments.

Lee asserted that the court ruling found the demand for a written pledge illegal, the concert cancellation unlawful, and the city's failure to ensure safety irresponsible. He believes the mayor's statements during a televised debate will be used against him in court, potentially increasing the compensation amount.