Lee Seung-hwan, Sharp Rebuke to Gumi Mayor: "Apologize Like a Man from Gyeongsang Province" [Full Text]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Lee Seung-hwan once again took a sharp jab at Kim Jang-ho, the mayor of Gumi.

On the 11th, through a lengthy post, Lee stated regarding the position conveyed by Kim Jang-ho, mayor of Gumi, following his lawsuit victory over the cancellation of his Gumi concert: "As stated in the court ruling, the risks surrounding the performance were merely vague speculation, and efforts for safety were not even properly considered. I am shocked that the very person who made such corrections is now writing another deceptive article. However, I cannot say I do not understand the anguish of Kim Jang-ho, a politician facing an election," and added, "Therefore, as an older brother who has lived four more years, I dare to offer advice and suggestions. At times like these, one must be honest and sincere."

He continued, "Brother, a single honest sentence, 'I was wrong,' would suffice. Politics is not a technique or deception, but sincerity and truth." He further stated, "If you simply say that one honest sentence, I will accept the entire first-instance ruling, including defendant Kim Jang-ho. With this brief apology, defendant Kim Jang-ho can avoid his liability for compensation."

Lee Seung-hwan emphasized, "I do not wish for Gumi City to deteriorate further. We cannot continue to neglect the Gumi City taxes and administrative power already wasted, nor the domestic and international trust that has plummeted. Regarding the compensation for me and Dream Factory, I will donate all amounts except legal fees to Gumi City's 'Our Dreamlight Youth Orchestra.' Apologize like a man from Gyeongsang Province. Please preserve your last shred of dignity as the mayor of Gumi."

Previously, on the 8th, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 913 (single judge) ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in part in a lawsuit for damages worth 250 million won filed by Lee Seung-hwan, his agency Dream Factory Club, and 100 ticket holders against Gumi City and Mayor Kim Jang-ho. The court ordered Gumi City to pay 35 million won to Lee Seung-hwan, 75 million won to Dream Factory Club, and 150,000 won each to the 100th ticket holders.

This incident arose after Gumi City suddenly canceled Lee Seung-hwan's concert at the Gumi City Cultural and Arts Center, originally scheduled for December 25, 2024, just two days before the performance. On December 14 of that year, following the passage of the impeachment motion against Yoon Suk-yeol Jeon (President), Lee made a statement at his Suwon concert: "It's good that impeachment happened. It seems like a more comfortable world will come." Subsequently, members of some local conservative groups held a rally in front of Gumi City Hall, voicing opposition to Lee's concert.

Ultimately, Mayor Kim Jang-ho suddenly canceled the venue rental for Lee's concert citing safety concerns due to fears of physical clashes between the audience and conservative right-wing groups, sparking controversy.

Gumi City reportedly demanded a pledge from Lee's side stating they would not make remarks such as "political incitement or misunderstanding," but when Lee's side refused, the venue rental was canceled two days before the performance. Lee's side issued an official statement saying, "We express regret over Gumi City's unilateral decision to cancel the concert rental," and added, "We plan to take legal action against Gumi City promptly."

In response, Lee Seung-hwan, his agency, and ticket holders filed a lawsuit claiming they suffered mental and financial damages due to the cancellation of the performance in January of last year. It is reported that Lee sought 100 million won in compensation for mental distress, the agency sought 100 million won in damages for the concert cancellation, and each ticket holder sought 500,000 won in compensation for mental distress.

Mr. Kim Jang-ho, I have read the statement you posted.

You wrote, "I will not back down according to the law and principles, prioritizing the safety of citizens."

As stated in the court ruling, the risks surrounding the performance were merely vague speculation, and efforts for safety were not even properly considered. I am shocked that the very person who made such corrections is now writing another deceptive article.

However, I cannot say I do not understand the anguish of Kim Jang-ho, a politician facing an election.

Therefore, as an older brother who has lived four more years, I dare to offer advice and suggestions.

At times like these, one must be honest and sincere.

"Brother, I was wrong."

A single honest sentence like that would suffice.

Because politics is not a technique or deception, but sincerity and truth.

If you simply say that one honest sentence, I will accept the entire first-instance ruling, including defendant Kim Jang-ho. With this brief apology, defendant Kim Jang-ho can avoid his liability for compensation.

I do not wish for Gumi City to deteriorate further.

The Gumi City taxes and administrative power already wasted, and the

domestic and international trust that has plummeted, cannot be neglected any longer.

In that judgment, I will not appeal against the defendant Gumi City, regardless of whether Kim Jang-ho apologizes, because I do not wish for Gumi City to bear compensation liability beyond the first-instance ruling.

As already promised, I will donate all amounts regarding compensation for me and Dream Factory, except legal fees, to Gumi City's "Our Dreamlight Youth Orchestra."

It will be a good thing for everyone.

Apologize like a man from Gyeongsang Province.

Please preserve your last shred of dignity as the mayor of Gumi.

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*This content was translated by AI.