Lee Seung-hwan to Appeal Against Gumi Mayor Over Lack of Apology: “Don’t Use Taxpayer Money This Time”

On the 14th, Lee Seung-hwan took to social media, stating, “You aren’t apologizing in any way.” He declared, “As I mentioned, I will begin the appeal process. I will increase my legal team from two representatives to ten.”

This follows a ruling on the 8th by the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Park Nam-jun), which partially ruled in favor of Lee Seung-hwan, his agency Dream Factory Club, and 100 ticket holders in their damages lawsuit 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 100 ticket holders. However, the court did not hold Mayor Kim Jang-ho personally liable for damages.

On the 11th, Lee had stated, “If you just say one honest sentence, ‘Brother, I was wrong,’ I will accept the entire first-instance ruling, including the part regarding defendant Kim Jang-ho.” Since Mayor Kim Jang-ho has not issued a response, Lee appears to have decided to appeal.

He also tagged Mayor Kim Jang-ho’s account, emphasizing, “Mayor, you must not use taxes this time.”

This whole ordeal began when Gumi City canceled Lee Seung-hwan’s concert at the Gumi City Culture and Arts Center, scheduled for December 2024, just two days before the event.

It is reported that Gumi City demanded a written pledge from Lee, who has made political remarks at candlelit protests, promising not to engage in political agitation or misleading behavior. When Lee refused, the city reportedly canceled the venue rental.

Subsequently, Lee Seung-hwan, Dream Factory Club, and 100 ticket holders filed a lawsuit for 250 million won in damages against Gumi City and Mayor Kim Jang-ho.