South Korean singer Kim Bum-Soo will not appear in the Hawaii Romance Festival's International Music Night concert this Sunday at the Waikiki Shell.

Officials at the festival were notified this morning that the performer has been unable to obtain his travel visa in time.

He was among those scheduled to appear at the festival's opening ceremonies set for tomorrow at 'Iolani Palace.

"We are extremely disappointed for the show, for the festival, and of course, for all of the Kim Bum-Soo fans in Hawaii that he will not be a part of International Music Night," said Allen Sviridoff, producer of the Hawaii Romance Festival, in a statement. "But the show must go on and all of our other international artists, including Sergio Mendes, Martin Nievera, Amy Hanaiali'i (Gilliom) and Jake Shimabukuro will certainly put on a fantastic concert."

Festival producers have been working with Kim's managers for the last several months to bring the popular Korean entertainer back to Hawai'i for his first concert since being discharged from the South Korean Army.

He also was to make a special appearance at the festival's opening ceremonies tomorrow at 'Iolani Palace.

Fans who purchased tickets specifically to see Kim perform may request refunds by returning their tickets to the Blaisdell box office before show time on Sunday. Group ticket holders should contact the Hawaii Romance Festival office at 545-7664 to arrange for their refunds.

The Korean pop star last appeared here in October 2005, headlining a concert at the Hawai'i Theatre.