Singer Lee Seung-hwan, who won partial victory in the first trial of a damages lawsuit against the Gumi mayor and Gumi city for canceling a venue two days before a concert, sharply criticized Mayor Kim Jang-ho.
On the 11th, Lee Seung-hwan posted on his personal social media, "Mr. Kim Jang-ho, I saw your statement. You wrote, 'We will not back down and will prioritize citizens' safety according to law and principle.' As the judgment shows, the purported risks surrounding the performance were mere vague speculation, and efforts for safety were not even properly reviewed," he wrote.
He went on, "I was aghast that someone who administered such municipal affairs would again write a deceptive message. That said, I do not fail to understand the anguish of politician Kim Jang-ho, who is running in an election," and added, "As someone who lived four more years older, I dare to offer advice and suggestions. At times like this you must be honest and forthright."
Lee Seung-hwan said, "'Brother, I was wrong.' That honest one line would be enough. Politics is not technique or deception but sincerity and truth," and added, "If you offer one honest line, I will accept the entire first-instance ruling, including defendant Kim Jang-ho. Defendant Kim Jang-ho can avoid liability for compensation with that brief apology."
He also said, "I do not wish to see Gumi deteriorate. We must not further neglect the already wasted Gumi city taxes and administrative resources, and the fallen domestic and international trust," and added, "With that judgment, I will not appeal against defendant Gumi city regardless of whether Kim Jang-ho apologizes, because I do not want Gumi city to bear compensation beyond the first-instance ruling."
Lee Seung-hwan said, "As I already promised, the compensation to me and Dream Factory, excluding legal costs, will be donated to Gumi city's "Uri Kkumbit Youth Orchestra," and added, "It will be good for everyone. Apologize like a man of Gyeongsang Province. Preserve your last pride as mayor of Gumi."
Earlier, Gumi city canceled the Busan performance of Lee Seung-hwan's 35th anniversary concert 'HEAVEN' at the Gumi Culture and Arts Center grand theater two days before the event in December last year. At the time, Mayor Kim Jang-ho held a press conference and explained, "We are canceling considering the safety of citizens and audience members."
In response, Lee Seung-hwan argued the cancellation was 'unjust' and hinted at legal action against Mayor Kim Jang-ho. On the 8th, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in part for the plaintiffs in a 250 million won damages lawsuit filed by Lee Seung-hwan, his agency Dream Factory Club, and 100 ticket purchasers against Mayor Kim Jang-ho and Gumi city.
The court said, "Gumi city shall pay Lee Seung-hwan 35 million won, Dream Factory Club 75 million won, and each of the 100 ticket purchasers 150,000 won." Accordingly, Gumi city was ordered to pay a total of 125 million won in compensation.
Below is the full Instagram post by Lee Seung-hwan
Mr. Kim Jang-ho, I saw your statement.
You wrote, 'We will not back down and will prioritize citizens' safety according to law and principle.'
As the judgment shows, the purported risks surrounding the performance were mere vague speculation, and efforts for safety were not even properly reviewed. I was aghast that someone who administered such municipal affairs would again write a deceptive message.
That said, I do not fail to understand the anguish of politician Kim Jang-ho, who is running in an election.
As someone who lived four more years older, I dare to offer advice and suggestions.
At times like this you must be honest and forthright.
"Brother, I was wrong."
That honest one line would be enough.
Politics is not technique or deception but sincerity and truth.
If you offer one honest line, I will accept the entire first-instance ruling, including defendant Kim Jang-ho. Defendant Kim Jang-ho can avoid liability for compensation with that brief apology.
I do not wish to see Gumi deteriorate.
The already wasted Gumi city taxes and administrative resources, and the fallen
domestic and international trust must no longer be neglected.
With that judgment, I will not appeal against defendant Gumi city regardless of whether Kim Jang-ho apologizes. I do not want Gumi city to bear compensation beyond the first-instance ruling.
As I already promised, the compensation to me and Dream Factory, excluding legal costs, will be donated to Gumi city's "Uri Kkumbit Youth Orchestra."
It will be good for everyone.
Apologize like a man of Gyeongsang Province.
Preserve your last pride as mayor of Gumi.
[Photo] SNS
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