ON May 13thHareem shared a candid post on social media, stating that he had been abruptly informed that his appearance in a youth event sponsored by the state focused on the intercororean involvement has been canceled. He believes this is a retaliation for his Performance of December 2023 at “Concert of foods of resignation“In Gwanghwamun, which included anti -government songs in support of the protesters.
“At a time when the wounds of martial law have not yet been completely healed, it was suddenly informed of a cancellation a few days before an event hosted by the government”, Hareem wrote. “The reason? Why did I sing in the square last year. It seems that someone feels uncomfortable for the interview that followed. I ask myself: are they so guilty that the songs make it afraid?”
Although Hareem stressed that the The performance commission was minimalHe had agreed to take part in the event in good faith, especially since then The official posters had already been made public. The cancellation in the advanced phase, he claimed, indicates something more concerning than simple programming problems.
“The cancellation in this way at the last minute can only feed the suspicions of a new black list. I wonder if those at the top include the implications of this decision.”
Despite his frustration, Hareem clarified with which he sympathizes lower level staff captured in the repercussions, stating:
“I told them that it was fine, seeing how defenseless the staff was. But I felt I had to say something, for the younger colleagues and artists who also sang by my side. It’s not right.”
He concluded his message with a request for artistic integrity and freedom of expression:
“Friends, in times like this, we continue to sing about love, resistance and freedom.”
This is not the first time that Hareem has aligned his music with political activism. At the protest of Gwanghwamun, he played emotionally charged songs such as “One Love forgotten with another love” and “departure”, lending musical solidarity to a movement that asks for the then of the then President Yoon Seok Yeol. Its renewed protests rekindle the conversations on freedom of expression, political censorshipand the lasting shadow of Black lists of the artist in South Korea.
Hareem is a singer -songwriter and artist of world music known for her unique ballad mixture and African -inspired sounds. Debuting in 1996 as the main singer of the band Ven, he went alone in 2001. He is also celebrated for projects such as “Guitar for Africa”, supporting young musicians and participated in many musical shows such as “Start again” “Singer Hidden”, AND “The item Korea.”
