[Dispatch=Reporter Jung Tae-yun] Singer Lee Seung-hwan won his case against Gumi City, Gyeongbuk Province. This comes approximately 1 year and 5 months after his concert venue rental was canceled following his refusal to sign a pledge prohibiting "political incitement."

Judge Park Nam-jun of the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 913 held a sentencing hearing on the 8th and ruled, "Kim Jang-ho, Mayor of Gumi City, and Gumi City must compensate Lee Seung-hwan 35 million won, his agency Dream Factory 75 million won, and each of 100 ticket buyers 150,000 won."

Gumi City canceled Lee Seung-hwan's 35th anniversary concert "Heaven" scheduled to be held at Gumi Cultural Arts Center's Grand Concert Hall on December 25, 2024, citing safety concerns. This was during a period when pro and anti rallies were being held regarding the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol following the 12·3 incident.

On the 20th of that month, Gumi City requested Lee Seung-hwan sign a pledge stating that he would not engage in remarks or actions constituting "political incitement." However, Lee Seung-hwan did not accept it. Gumi City then abruptly canceled the venue rental on December 23, two days before the concert.

Gumi City stated the reason as: "There is a possibility of unpredictable physical conflict in a situation where citizen and audience safety is a concern." In response, Lee Seung-hwan filed a damages lawsuit against Mayor Kim Jang-ho and Gumi City for 250 million won.

Lee Seung-hwan's attorney stated, "This is a meaningful ruling that recognizes damages to third parties in a concert contract relationship," and added, "We will appeal and hold Mayor Kim Jang-ho personally accountable."

<Photo source=Lee Seung-hwan SNS>