A court has ruled that Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province must pay over 100 million won in damages for unilaterally canceling the venue rental for singer Lee Seung-hwan’s concert.
On the 8th, Judge Park Nam-jun of the Seoul Central District Court ordered Gumi City to pay 35 million won in alimony to Lee and 75 million won in property damages to his agency, Dream Factory. Additionally, the court ordered the city to pay 150,000 won in alimony to 100 fans who had booked tickets for the concert.
However, the claim for damages filed against Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho was not accepted.
Following the verdict, Lee stated, “The court recognized the illegality of the unilateral concert cancellation, the illegality of forcing a pledge, and the irresponsibility of Gumi City for failing to take safety measures.” He added, “I will protect the conscience of musicians and the freedom of art, which should never be encroached upon by some arrogant and vulgar administrative powers.”
Lee’s lawyer told reporters, “This ruling sets an important benchmark for the freedom of expression and the freedom of performance in Korean society.” The lawyer added that they intend to appeal to hold Mayor Kim personally responsible.
The controversy began in December 2024, during protests regarding the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, when Gumi City requested that Lee sign a pledge stating he would not make political remarks. When Lee refused to sign, the performance permit was canceled just two days before the show.
Gumi City claimed the cancellation was due to “concerns over physical clashes between the audience and civic groups,” but the cultural and artistic community pushed back, calling it a violation of the freedom of expression.
Lee, along with approximately 100 fans, had filed a lawsuit for damages amounting to 250 million won against Gumi City and Mayor Kim.
Meanwhile, Lee had previously filed a constitutional complaint with the Constitutional Court, arguing that the administration’s actions—telling artists not to make remarks that could be politically misunderstood and threatening cancellation if they didn’t sign—violated the constitutional freedom of expression and conscience. However, that complaint was dismissed last March.
