"TV Appearance While Still on Active Duty?"... Marine Corps Responds to "Military Law Violation" Controversy

Rapper Gree, son of Kim Gura, appears on variety show on day of discharge
Marine Corps: "Appearance approved in accordance with Defense Public Relations Directive"

Regarding the controversy over broadcaster Kim Gura's son, rapper Gree (real name Kim Donghyun), appearing on a TV show on the very day of his discharge and facing allegations of "violating military law," the Marine Corps dismissed the claims, stating that "it was done with unit approval."

Broadcaster Kim Gura and his son, rapper Gree (born Kim Donghyun). Screenshot of Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation's Radio Star broadcast.

Appeared on 'Radio Star' just 4 hours after discharge, sparking 'military law violation' controversy

Gree, who completed his full term of service and was discharged as a Marine Corps sergeant on January 28, appeared for the recording of MBC entertainment program "Radio Star" just four hours after his discharge, a fact that drew significant attention.

On the show, Gree made his discharge report, saying, "Proud Republic of Korea ghost-catching Marine Corps Blue Dragon Sergeant Kim Donghyun has been ordered to return to his parents' arms after completing 549 days of military service from July 2024 to January 2026." He then added, "Marines do not kneel, but I will perform a deep bow to my beloved father," and bowed to Kim Gura, moving the audience.

However, after the broadcast, online commenters argued that, based on Article 159 of the Civil Act, his civilian status would begin on the day after his discharge, the 29th, and therefore his appearance on the day of the recording might have violated the regulation that "soldiers are prohibited from engaging in profit-making activities."

Marine Corps offers clear explanation: "Prior approval obtained"

As the controversy grew, the Marine Corps quickly stepped in to clarify. The Marine Corps stated, "This TV appearance took place after going through the unit approval process in accordance with the Defense Public Relations Directive," and added, "Reserve Sergeant Kim Donghyun was fully aware that he was still on active duty at the time of recording and appeared through normal procedures." With the Marine Corps issuing this explanation, it appears that suspicions of a military law violation have been laid to rest.

Gree voluntarily enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2024 and served on active duty with the Artillery Brigade of the 2nd Marine Division. During his service, he was recognized for his exemplary conduct, being selected as an exemplary Marine and receiving commendations for merit in facility and environmental management, which also drew attention. Explaining why he applied to the Marine Corps, Gree said, "I wanted to build self-reliance and learn how to survive on my own," and added, "I needed a turning point in my life, and I decided to join the Marine Corps because I thought it would definitely provide that."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.