Don't block the song Lee Seung-hwan's forced cancellation of performances in Europe and the U.S. Fury musicians demand an official apology →
Dec 24, 2024
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A group of 2,645 musicians, including pop music creators, performers, producers, and critics, made a statement on the night of the 23rd under the title `Do not block the song' and urged Mayor Kim Jang-ho to make an official apology to artists and citizens, saying, `The cultural and artistic activities of artists are the basic rights of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution.'
Musicians express great disappointment and concern that Kumishi unilaterally canceled Lee Seung-hwan's concert on the grounds of `safety.'"The "safety concerns" presented by Gumi City are tantamount to avoiding the conflict that the administration has to resolve and turning a blind eye to responsibility with the easy choice of canceling the performance.", he pointed out.
The city's decision will be recorded as a shameful stain on the history of Korean pop music, and will remain an example of the dark age of censorship of culture and arts. It calls for the immediate withdrawal of the decision to cancel the concert by Lee Seung-hwan" he urged.
In the meantime, Mayor Kim Jang-ho of Gumi City should make an official apology to artists and citizens. Naturally, Gumi City should prepare an institutional mechanism to ensure independence and fairness of culture and arts administration. It should also ensure citizens' right to enjoy culture and immediately stop attempting to censor art," he added.
Earlier on the morning of the 23rd, Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho issued an 'emergency statement' in the conference room of Gumi City Hall and canceled Lee Seung-hwan's concert considering the safety of citizens and audiences"This is in accordance with Article 9 of the Gumi City Culture and Arts Center Operation Ordinance." Regarding the reason for the cancellation of the concert, Mayor Kim may order revocation of permission, suspension of use, change, and other necessary measures if deemed necessary for the public interest pursuant to the Ordinance on the Operation of the Culture and Arts Center' asked for a pledge. However, Lee Seung-hwan's legal representative has clearly expressed his opposition in writing, saying, `I have no intention to seal the attached pledge not to make political remarks and actions.'", he explained.
"We have decided to cancel the concert for safety reasons in a situation where there is a concern about physical conflict between the audience and conservative right-wing organizations," he said. "The first priority is civil safety."
In response, Lee Seung-hwan disclosed the contents of the pledge on his account that he was asked to seal, saying, `We regret the unilateral decision to cancel the concert rental.' The pledge said, "We will deploy personnel to ensure the safety of visitors in the grand performance hall" and "Haneul ENT, the agency, and singer Lee Seung-hwan will not say anything such as political instigation and political misunderstanding in accordance with the regulations for permission to perform at the Gumi Culture and Arts Center.'
On the other hand, Lee Seung-hwan "After the article about the cancellation of the Gumi performance, there are inquiries about attracting performances from various places"We will revise our plan to end the tour by the end of March and continue the Heaven tour until July." he said.
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Don't block the song!
Artists' cultural and artistic activities are the basic rights of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution. Nevertheless, musicians express great disappointment and concern that Gumi City unilaterally canceled Lee Seung-hwan's concert due to 'safety'. The `safety concerns' presented by Gumi City are tantamount to avoiding the conflict that the administration has to resolve and turning away responsibility with the easy choice of canceling the performance.
At one time, Gumi City was a symbol of Korea's industrialization, a mecca for high-tech technology, and a city where young people's dreams were growing. However, with this decision, Gumi City has become a city that suppresses freedom of culture and arts, violates citizens' right to cultural enjoyment, and restricts freedom of expression.
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea guarantees the freedom of art for all citizens, and regardless of the artist's political views, the act of art itself is a fundamental right to be protected. The decision by Gumi City directly violated these constitutional values.
Furthermore, Gumi City acknowledged itself that the administration had given in to protests from certain groups by canceling the performance, citing objections that could be sufficiently responded by the organizers. It also set a dangerous precedent that casts a shadow of censorship and control throughout the culture and arts world by restricting artistic activities on the grounds of artists' personal views. In addition, the credibility of the administration has been seriously undermined by unilaterally canceling performances that have already been signed and ticket reservation has been completed. As a result, it also caused great disappointment and hurt in the hearts of fans who have been waiting for this performance.
Gumi City's decision will be recorded as a shameful stain on the history of Korean pop music, and will remain an example of the dark age of censorship of culture and arts. We hope the situation will be a turning point in clearing away the shadow of censorship cast on the Korean culture and arts community.
In response, the Musicians Declaration calls for Gumi City to immediately withdraw its decision to cancel the rental of Lee Seung-hwan's concert. In addition, Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho should make an official apology to artists and citizens. Naturally, Gumi City should prepare an institutional mechanism to ensure independence and fairness of culture and arts administration. It should also ensure citizens' right to enjoy culture and immediately stop attempting to censor art.
Art is a citizen's right, and the administration has an obligation to guarantee it. No reason can limit citizens' right to enjoy culture and artists' freedom of expression. Musicians today shout in one voice. Don't block the song.
December 23, 2024
yaqqol@sportschosun.com
