Lee Seung-hwan’s 35th debut anniversary concert, scheduled for December 25, 2024, could not take place after Gumi City canceled the venue rental on December 23, two days before the performance. Gumi City said the cancellation was based on concerns about the safety of citizens and audience members and the possibility of physical clashes. The city also said it had asked Lee Seung-hwan’s side to sign a pledge stating that they would not make remarks likely to incite political activity or cause misunderstanding.
Who was ordered to pay how much in the first trial?
Lee Seung-hwan, Dream Factory Club, and 100 ticket purchasers—102 plaintiffs in total—filed a damages lawsuit seeking KRW 250 million against Gumi City and Kim Jang-ho, the former mayor of Gumi. The first-instance court ruled that Gumi City must pay KRW 35 million to Lee Seung-hwan, KRW 75 million to Dream Factory Club, and KRW 150,000 to each of the 100 ticket purchasers. The total damages award was therefore KRW 125 million.
However, the first-instance court did not recognize former mayor Kim Jang-ho’s personal liability for damages. As a result, the appeal trial has two separate issues: whether the first-instance damages ruling should be changed and whether personal liability can also be imposed on Kim.
What issues will be examined in the September appeal trial?
On May 20, 2026, Lee Seung-hwan’s side filed an appeal seeking recognition of not only Gumi City’s liability but also former mayor Kim Jang-ho’s liability for damages. At the first appeal hearing, held on September 3 by the Seoul High Court’s Civil Division 9, the plaintiffs requested an examination of the parties to determine what Kim knew and considered when the venue rental was canceled. The court said it would decide later whether to proceed with the examination.
The court requested clear evidence establishing whether the cancellation was due to concerns about political incitement or concerns about safety. This means that the appeal proceedings are still examining the specific reason for the cancellation and who should bear responsibility; no final conclusion has yet been reached.
The next hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2026. Until then, the key points to watch are whether the examination of the parties proceeds and what evidence is submitted to support the reason for the cancellation.