Singer Lee Seung-hwan's first trial date for the damages lawsuit against Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho was held. Lee Seung-hwan has been in conflict with Gumi over the cancellation of the concert hall reservation issue.
The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 913, presided over by Director General Park Nam-jun, held the first trial for a damages lawsuit amounting to 250 million won filed by Lee Seung-hwan and concertgoers who had booked tickets against Mayor Kim. The court noted, "To seek state compensation, a significant causal relationship is required," and requested, "Please specify what damages occurred."
The direct party affected by the cancellation of the concert hall reservation is the performance planning company, but the intent is to clarify what causal relationship is recognized among the plaintiffs who have filed the lawsuit and what damages have occurred.
Earlier, Gumi City canceled the reservation of the Gumi Cultural and Arts Center, the venue for Lee Seung-hwan's 35th anniversary concert 'Heaven,' two days before the event on Dec. 23 last year, citing safety concerns for citizens and attendees. Mayor Kim revealed that he requested Lee Seung-hwan's team to submit a pledge not to make political remarks, but they did not comply, leading to this response.
Lee Seung-hwan's side argued that the request for the submission of a pledge and the unilateral cancellation of the concert hall usage permission constitute illegal acts and filed a damages lawsuit. They also submitted a constitutional petition to the Constitutional Court, asserting that the request for a pledge infringes on free expression. The Constitutional Court dismissed the petition in March, ruling that "if the petition for constitutional adjudication is not lawful and the defects cannot be corrected," it should be rejected at the preliminary review stage by the designated panel.
The court has scheduled the second trial date for the damages lawsuit on Sept. 26.