Gree (entertainer)

Gree, born Kim Dong-hyeon (November 10, 1998), is a South Korean rapper, singer, actor, and television personality signed to Brand New Music.^[1][2][3] As the son of prominent comedian and broadcaster Kim Gu-ra, he first gained public attention through family appearances on television during his childhood.^[1] Gree transitioned into music with his debut single "Nineteen" in 2016, which addressed themes of youth and family, marking his entry into the K-hip-hop scene.^[1] Rising to prominence as a high school student, Gree participated in Mnet's rap competition High School Rapper in 2017, where his skills earned positive reviews and helped establish his reputation independent of his family background.^[1] He released his first extended play, Vague, in 2019, followed by Hi, Teen in 2021, showcasing his growth in songwriting and performance.^[4] Beyond music, Gree has appeared in television shows and dramas, leveraging his charismatic persona as a variety show regular.^[2][5] In July 2024, Gree enlisted in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps for mandatory military service, selecting the branch to foster personal independence and resilience—a decision he described as a pivotal "turning point" despite his father's initial opposition.^[2][6] By September 2025, as a model serviceman commended for facility management, he promoted Marine Corps recruitment at a career fair, highlighting his commitment to public service ahead of his scheduled discharge in January 2026.^[2]

Early life and education

Early life

Kim Dong-hyeon, professionally known as Gree, was born on November 10, 1998, in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He is the only son of renowned South Korean entertainer and comedian Kim Gu-ra and his wife, Lee Shin-jeong. Growing up in a household deeply immersed in the entertainment world, Gree experienced early exposure to public life through his father's high-profile career as an MC and television personality.^[7][8] From a young age, Gree accompanied his father on various television programs, which provided him with formative experiences in performance and media. In 2006, at the age of eight, he made his on-screen debut alongside Kim Gu-ra on KBS's variety show Bad Dad Club, captivating audiences with his youthful charm. That same year, he joined Laughter Club 2 as a regular performer, becoming the youngest fixed cast member in the history of a South Korean TV gag program and demonstrating an early comfort with comedic timing and audience interaction. These appearances not only highlighted his outgoing personality but also shaped his familiarity with the entertainment industry.^[9][10] Gree's childhood was marked by interests in music and performance, influenced by the vibrant hip-hop culture emerging in South Korea during the early 2000s. He began experimenting with rapping as a child, drawing inspiration from the genre's rhythmic and lyrical elements, which aligned with his exposure to diverse entertainment forms through his family. These early hobbies, including listening to popular music tracks, contributed to his confident and expressive demeanor.^[11]

Education

Gree attended Pungmu High School in Incheon. In October 2016, during his senior year, he enrolled in Inha University's Department of Theater and Film via rolling admission, selected primarily on practical acting evaluations from his academy training. He graduated from Pungmu High School in early 2017.^{[5][12][13][5]} During his high school years, Gree nurtured his passion for hip-hop and performance arts, engaging in activities that aligned with his artistic inclinations. He notably participated as a third-year student in the first season of Mnet's "High School Rapper," a competitive program for high school students, where he represented Pungmu High School, delivered notable cyphers, and advanced to the third round before elimination.^[14][15] Gree balanced his coursework with burgeoning entertainment pursuits, including his longstanding television appearances and music endeavors, though these commitments occasionally strained his academic focus. With familial encouragement, he successfully completed his studies while building foundational skills in rapping and public performance.^[1] He later placed his studies on indefinite leave to prioritize his professional development. In the ensuing period, Gree pursued informal training in rapping through his affiliation with Brand New Music and enhanced his acting proficiency via industry opportunities and self-directed practice.^[13][5]

Career

Debut and early career (2006–2015)

Gree, born Kim Dong-hyun, entered the entertainment industry as a child actor in 2006 at the age of seven, debuting on the KBS talk show Bad Dad Club alongside his father, comedian Kim Gu-ra. This appearance highlighted his precocious charm and quick wit, contrasting sharply with his father's comedic style, and quickly garnered attention for the young performer. His father's established presence in broadcasting provided early access to opportunities, though Gree's initial roles were limited to guest spots on variety programs. Throughout the late 2000s, Gree made minor television appearances on shows such as KBS's Comedy Club 2 (also known as Fox Club 2), Star Golden Bell, and SBS's Best Friend Note and Star Junior Show Bungeoppang, often appearing with his father to capitalize on their familial dynamic. These roles solidified his image as a cute, relatable child star but confined him to supporting or cameo parts in family-oriented content. In 2009, he expanded into voice acting with his first film role, dubbing the titular character—the adventurous little beaver—in the animated family film White Tuft, the Little Beaver, which featured a star-studded Korean voice cast including celebrities like Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Kyeong-gyu. The project introduced him to animation work and received positive reception for its environmental themes and engaging storytelling for young audiences.^[16][17] As a teenager, Gree began exploring music, adopting the stage name MC Gree and participating in youth-oriented projects that sparked his interest in hip-hop. In 2012, he joined the kid project group Oh Yeah Band, a short-lived ensemble that allowed him to experiment with rapping and performance in a group setting, marking his initial foray into musical activities beyond acting. These early endeavors, including informal rapping sessions and contests at school events, helped him develop his skills amid the challenges of transitioning from child acting, where typecasting as a "comedian's son" limited diverse roles and opportunities. By 2015, at age 16, he signed with Brand New Music as a trainee in late 2014 before formalizing his contract, shifting focus toward a professional rap career and away from his child star persona.^[5][18][19]

Breakthrough in music and acting (2016–2019)

In 2016, Gree, then known as MC Gree, made his solo music debut with the digital single "Nineteen" on May 18, released under Brand New Music.^[20] The track, which reflected his experiences as a teenager navigating fame and personal growth, achieved notable commercial success shortly after release, entering the top 10 on multiple domestic music charts and topping several others, including repeated number-one positions on Melon.^[21][22] Critics praised the song for its introspective lyrics and mature delivery from the 17-year-old artist, marking it as a promising entry into South Korea's hip-hop scene and helping establish his initial fanbase.^[22] Gree's visibility surged in 2017 through his appearance on Mnet's survival program High School Rapper, where he competed as Kim Dong-hyun against other young rappers, including NCT's Mark.^[14] Although he did not advance far in the competition, the exposure showcased his raw talent and stage presence, significantly boosting his recognition among hip-hop enthusiasts and younger audiences.^[14] During the show's regional competition, Gree collaborated with judge Jessi on the track "I'm Good," a high-energy performance that highlighted his versatility in blending rap with dynamic production and contributed to his growing reputation as an emerging artist.^[14] Parallel to his music endeavors, Gree expanded into acting during this period, building on his early experiences. He played the role of young Chun Sang-tae in the 2012 MBC drama May Queen, building on his earlier child acting experiences.^[5] In 2017, he made a notable cameo as a music producer in episodes 7 and 8 of the KBS2 series The Best Hit, a role that aligned with his real-life persona and allowed him to blend his rapping background with on-screen charisma, further solidifying his multifaceted career.^[23] In 2019, Gree released his debut extended play, Vague, featuring collaborations with artists such as Bryn and Samuel Seo.^[24] These ventures, combined with his music releases, led to a steady increase in his fanbase, as fans appreciated his authentic transition from child entertainer to young adult performer across genres.

Expansion into television and recent projects (2020–present)

In 2021, Gree broadened his career beyond music by serving as an MC on the variety program New Family Relations Certificate Godfather, where he hosted episodes focused on family dynamics and celebrity guests.^[25] This role highlighted his charismatic on-screen presence, drawing from his familial ties to comedian Kim Gu Ra while establishing him as a capable host in the competitive variety TV landscape. He continued this trajectory in 2022 by participating in TVING's reality series Between Marriage and Divorce, contributing to discussions on relationships alongside established figures like lyricist Kim Eana.^[26] Gree further diversified into musical theater in 2023, taking on the role of Jason in the stage adaptation of the popular K-drama Dream High at Seoul's Kwanglim Arts Center. The production, which ran from May to July, featured a cast of K-pop idols and emphasized themes of youthful ambition and performance, allowing Gree to blend his rapping skills with acting in a live setting. This marked a significant step in his artistic evolution, showcasing his versatility amid the post-pandemic resurgence of in-person entertainment. On the music front, Gree maintained a steady output with the release of his EP Hi, Teen in 2021, followed by singles like "Bad Spring" that same year. His most recent project, the single "Goodbye," dropped on July 18, 2024, via Brand New Music, featuring introspective lyrics over a melodic hip-hop beat and garnering attention on streaming platforms. The track, accompanied by an official music video, reflected his adaptation to evolving industry trends, including digital-first promotions in a recovering market. In July 2024, Gree enlisted for mandatory military service in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, enlisting on July 29. During his service, he was commended as a model serviceman and promoted Marine Corps recruitment at a career fair in September 2025, ahead of his discharge in January 2026.^[2] Gree has also leveraged social media to enhance his influence, particularly through his Instagram account (@greestvg), where he shares personal updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and music teasers to engage fans directly.^[27] This online presence has helped sustain his visibility during periods of selective project choices, aligning with broader shifts toward web-based content creation in the entertainment industry. As of late 2025, his account boasts a dedicated following, underscoring his enduring appeal among younger audiences.

Personal life

Family background

Gree, whose real name is Kim Dong-hyun, was born in 1998 to South Korean broadcaster and comedian Kim Gu-ra from his first marriage, which ended in divorce in 2015 after 18 years together.^[28] The divorce stemmed from conflicts over financial guarantees, yet the family maintained ongoing ties, with Gree expressing a desire to care for his mother as he entered adulthood.^[29][30] Kim Gu-ra remarried in December 2020 and became a father again at age 51 with the birth of a daughter, Kim Soo-hyun, in September 2021, who is Gree's half-sister 23 years his junior.^[31][32] This addition to the family highlighted Kim Gu-ra's evolving role as a "late-blooming father," as he navigated blended family dynamics while prioritizing privacy for his younger child.^[33] The father-son relationship remains close and supportive, with Gree describing Kim Gu-ra as the "perfect father" for his detailed management of household expenses, including even small treats like chicken for his son.^[34] Despite Kim Gu-ra's demanding career often keeping him absent from events like Gree's school graduations, their bond has endured, evidenced by honest discussions about the divorce and mutual encouragement during life transitions.^[35][36] Joint family appearances underscore this connection, such as a 2024 father-son outing shortly before Gree's military enlistment, where they shared a "rich date" to create lasting memories amid his impending service.^[37] Earlier that year, Gree joined his father, stepmother, grandmother, and half-sister for a celebratory gathering at the family home in Ilsan to mark Kim Soo-hyun's birthday, reflecting blended family harmony.^[33] Kim Gu-ra's initial opposition to Gree's decision to enlist in the Marine Corps stemmed from paternal concern over his lifestyle, but it evolved into full support, illustrating their resilient dynamic.^[6] Family privacy has been a key influence on their public image, with Kim Gu-ra staunchly refusing media offers to feature his younger daughter on television, emphasizing protection of personal life over exposure—a choice that extends to careful navigation of Gree's own visibility in the industry.^[38] This protective stance, combined with inherited traits like quick wit from his father's comedic background, has shaped Gree's approach to fame while fostering a sense of grounded family loyalty.^[1]

Public persona and interests

Gree has established himself as a multifaceted entertainer, evolving from a charming child star to a confident hip-hop artist who emphasizes independence and versatility in his public image. Debuting at age seven on the 2006 variety program Comedy Club 2 as the son of renowned comedian Kim Gu Ra, Gree initially endeared himself to audiences with his playful, boyish appeal, often highlighted in family-oriented segments that shaped his early "cute" persona. By his mid-teens, he pivoted toward music, signing with Brand New Music in 2015 and adopting the stage name MC Gree (later shortened to Gree), where he embraced a more introspective and street-smart aesthetic through rap, signaling a deliberate shift to forge his own path beyond familial influences.^[5] This transformation reflects Gree's core interest in hip-hop culture, which he has pursued since adolescence, viewing it as a medium for personal expression and storytelling. His enrollment in the Department of Theatrical and Film Studies at Inha University (currently on leave) further underscores a broader passion for performance arts, blending acting, music, and on-screen charisma to position himself as an "all-rounder" capable of thriving across entertainment genres.^[5] Gree maintains a relatable online presence via Instagram (@greestvg), where he connects directly with fans through candid updates that humanize his off-stage life. In 2024 and early 2025 posts amid his mandatory military service—enlisting on July 29, 2024, as a Marine Corps member—he shared lighthearted glimpses of training, such as captions like "If you can't avoid it, enjoy it!! #MarineCorps #2ndDivision #ArtilleryBrigade," blending humor and resilience to engage supporters who admire his adaptable, positive demeanor. His account, with over 200,000 followers, often features motivational notes and everyday moments, fostering a sense of closeness that has grown since his pre-enlistment era of music teasers and variety show behind-the-scenes. Discharge is anticipated on January 28, 2026, after which he plans to resume activities with renewed focus.^[27] Through variety television, Gree actively interacts with fans, showcasing his affable and quick-witted side as a fixed panelist on Hidden Singer Season 7 (2022), where he participates in impersonation challenges and audience Q&A, often drawing on his personal anecdotes to build rapport and highlight his evolution from novice entertainer to seasoned performer.^[5]

Discography

Extended plays

Gree released his debut extended play, Vague, on April 12, 2019, through Brand New Music, marking his first mini-album after several singles. The EP features five tracks blending pop rap and K-pop elements, with Gree contributing to lyrics and composition across the project, which was recorded at Studio Vague. Collaborations include rappers Bryn, 88selluv, Samuel Seo, Dope’Doug, and Kash Bang, alongside vocalists GA EUN and X.Q, showcasing a mix of hip-hop flows and melodic hooks. The title track "Ding Dong Ditch" (벨튀) explores themes of fleeting and superficial relationships, likening them to a prank that approaches and vanishes abruptly.^[39][40] The EP's production emphasizes experimental sounds, with mixing handled by Xoul Vermillion and Master Key, reflecting Gree's evolving style post-debut. While specific sales figures are unavailable, the project received attention for its collaborative diversity and Gree's hands-on creative involvement.^[39] Gree's second EP, Hi, Teen, followed on November 12, 2021, also via Brand New Music, consisting of four introspective tracks centered on youth, nostalgia, and emotional vulnerability. The release highlights themes of teenage experiences, such as returning to school days in the lead single "If I Go Back" (교복) and apologetic reflections on young love in "Sorry for Loving You" (미안해 널 사랑해서), featuring former GFriend member Yerin on vocals. Produced primarily by On the Road and Gree, the EP maintains a concise runtime under 12 minutes, prioritizing emotional depth over extensive features.^[41][42] The EP's creative process involved Gree drawing from personal reflections on adolescence, with collaborations limited to enhance vocal layers rather than rap verses. No certifications or detailed chart peaks were reported for Hi, Teen, though it aligned with Gree's growing presence in Korean hip-hop through targeted promotions.^[43]

Singles

Gree has released numerous digital singles as a solo artist since his debut, often blending introspective rap with emotional themes reflective of youth and relationships, in addition to select collaborations. His debut single, "Nineteen" (열아홉), was released on May 18, 2016, capturing the anxieties and aspirations of being 19 years old through raw, personal lyrics. The track achieved significant early success, entering the top 10 on multiple domestic music charts and topping several upon release, marking a strong entry into the Korean hip-hop scene.^[21] The accompanying music video, directed with a minimalist aesthetic, features Gree navigating urban settings and personal reflections, emphasizing themes of growth and uncertainty, and has garnered millions of views on platforms like YouTube.^[44] Subsequent releases include "GREEality Part.1" on October 12, 2016, a double single exploring personal identity; "How We" on December 19, 2016, featuring dalchong of CHEEZE; "Don't You Love Me" on May 5, 2018, delving into unrequited love; and "DOVES" on August 26, 2018, reflecting on freedom and escape.^{[45][46][47][48]} In 2020, Gree issued "Stop It" on January 12, addressing frustration in relationships; "Him" later that year; "Humming" featuring RAVI; and "LOOK" on November 12.^[49][50] "Bad Spring" followed on May 8, 2021, featuring Yoon DuJun of Highlight, contemplating seasonal change and emotions. "How Do We Better" arrived on November 30, 2022, with YongYong, focusing on self-improvement.^[51][52] In 2017, Gree collaborated with rapper Jessi on "I'm Good," a high-energy track self-composed by Gree and performed during the regional competition of the reality show High School Rapper. The song's bold lyrics highlight confidence and resilience in the face of challenges, with Gree's verses complementing Jessi's dynamic delivery. This collaboration boosted Gree's visibility in the competitive rap landscape, earning praise for their commanding stage presence and contributing to his growing reputation among peers.^[53] It recorded over 26,000 digital downloads in South Korea, reflecting solid fan engagement.^[54] Gree's 2024 single "Goodbye," released on July 18, explores themes of parting ways in a romantic relationship without bitterness, emphasizing acceptance and closure with lines like "Don't tell me sorry, I know your story" and urging no further contact.^[55] Co-written and composed by Gree alongside On the Road, the track features a melancholic yet empowering beat suitable for streaming playlists. Promotion included lyric teasers, a music video teaser, and an official MV released simultaneously across online platforms, with announcements via his label Brand New Music's social media channels to build anticipation among fans.^[56][57] The single was made available on major services like Apple Music and Spotify, contributing to Gree's ongoing chart history in digital releases.^[58]

Filmography

Films

Gree made his acting debut in the 2009 animated film White Tuft, the Little Beaver (original French title: Mèche Blanche, les aventures du petit castor, Korean title: 리틀 비버), providing the voice for the titular character, a young and adventurous beaver named Little Beaver who becomes separated from his family after a dam breaks and embarks on a perilous journey through the forest to reunite with them, aided by an elderly beaver.^[17][59] The film, directed by Philippe Calderon, blends documentary-style footage of real animals with animation and was dubbed into Korean for its release on April 30, 2009, attracting 123,065 viewers in South Korea and earning an audience rating of 6.23 out of 10.^[17] In addition to voicing the lead, Gree, then known primarily as child entertainer Kim Dong-hyun, contributed to the soundtrack by performing the "Brave Beaver Song" (용감한 비버송), which underscores the character's determination and growth.^[17] While specific critical notes on his performance are limited, the role marked an early foray into voice acting for the then-10-year-old, showcasing his versatility beyond television appearances during his formative years in the industry.^[17] No subsequent live-action or additional film projects have been credited to Gree as of 2025.

Television dramas

Gree began his acting career as a child performer in the KBS2 daily drama Cooking Up Romance (2008), portraying the supporting role of Jang Soo-gon, a young family member involved in the central narrative of a traditional Korean beef soup restaurant facing interpersonal conflicts and business challenges. The series spanned 95 episodes, airing weekdays from June to October 2008, and highlighted family dynamics in a culinary setting.^[60] He appeared in a cameo role in the SBS daily drama Golden House (2010), a family-oriented series focusing on generational conflicts and household secrets.^[61] In the same year, Gree took on supporting roles in Honey Jar (KBS2, 2010), a romantic comedy about young love and family ties, and King of Kimchi (Sky, 2010), a lighthearted drama centered on a kimchi-making family navigating business and personal rivalries.^[5] Gree played a supporting role in the tvN golf-themed comedy Birdie Buddy (2011), depicting youthful antics in the world of professional golf.^[5] He continued with child roles in the MBC weekend melodrama May Queen (2012), where he played the young Chun Sang-tae, the resilient son of a shipyard worker whose early-life hardships, including family separation and economic struggles, laid foundational plot elements for themes of ambition, revenge, and redemption in the shipbuilding industry. The drama consisted of 38 episodes, originally planned for 32 but extended due to favorable ratings averaging around 15-20% nationally.^[62] In 2012, Gree made a guest appearance in the MBC daily drama It Was Love, contributing to storylines involving romance and misunderstandings.^[5] In subsequent years, Gree took on a supporting role in the KBS2 special drama Glass Bandage (2013), exploring themes of healing and relationships, and a guest role as the teenage Chun Soo-pyo in the MBC family saga Golden Rainbow (2013), appearing across multiple episodes to depict the character's youthful experiences within a group of orphans building familial bonds amid adversity. The series totaled 41 episodes and focused on themes of loyalty and perseverance.^[5] Gree's most recent scripted television appearance was a special cameo as himself, the MC Gree, in the SBS comedy The Best Hit (2017), briefly contributing to the show's meta-commentary on 1990s K-pop culture through a time-travel storyline involving idol trainees and managers. The 14-episode series blended humor with music industry satire.

Variety and reality shows

Gree gained early prominence in the variety and reality TV landscape as a contestant on the Mnet survival program High School Rapper in 2017, where he competed under his real name, Kim Dong-hyun, representing the West Gyeongin region.^[14] He advanced through the preliminary auditions and cypher battles in episodes 3 and 4, tying for second place in his regional cypher alongside NCT's Mark Lee.^[14] In the regional competition during episodes 5 and 6, Gree performed the track "I'm Good" in collaboration with mentor Jessi, earning a score of 259 but ultimately losing to competitors Kim Kyu-heon and Kim Tae-yeob, who scored 270.^[63] This performance stood out as a unique segment, blending Gree's raw rap delivery with Jessi's dynamic energy and becoming a memorable highlight of the season for showcasing intergenerational hip-hop collaboration.^[63] He was eliminated in the 1 vs. 1 battle round in episode 7, losing to Lee Dong-min by a vote of 31:69.^[63] In 2021, Gree transitioned into a hosting role as the MC for the financial education variety show Money Tech: I Can Rich, a program designed to educate young audiences on personal finance and investment strategies through interactive challenges and expert insights.^[64] Selected for his relatable appeal to the MZ generation (millennials and Gen Z), Gree's hosting emphasized practical money management tips tailored to young entertainers and viewers navigating economic uncertainties.^[64] The show aired as a limited series throughout 2021, focusing on episodes that combined game-show elements with real-world financial simulations to engage participants in building wealth literacy.^[64] Gree continued making guest appearances on variety programs into 2024 and 2025, often leveraging his charismatic persona on talk shows and music-related formats. In 2024, he appeared as a guest on episode 1 of MBC's Cleaning Freak Brian, a reality series where host Brian Kang visits celebrities' homes to organize and clean spaces, sharing insights into Gree's personal habits and living environment during the segment.^[65] He also served as MC for the hip-hop focused Top Tiers on April 5, 2024, facilitating discussions and performances among emerging rappers.^[66] Additional guest spots included episode 875 of a music talk program on July 17, 2024, and episode 404 of a variety talk show on August 11, 2024, where he discussed his music career and shared lighthearted anecdotes from his father's influence in entertainment.^[66] These appearances highlighted Gree's versatility in unscripted formats, often featuring candid moments about balancing his rap identity with public life.

Web series

Gree has engaged in digital media through live performances and promotional content on platforms like YouTube, marking his shift toward online engagement post-2018. In 2018, he released a live clip of his single "DON'T YOU LOVE ME," performed in a studio setting to promote his music directly to fans via the 1theK channel.^[67] In 2020, Gree collaborated with RAVI on a live rendition of "Humming," broadcast on Naver Now's Question Mark, a web program that facilitated real-time interaction and extended his reach beyond traditional broadcasts. These efforts reflect Gree's strategic move to web media, including V Live sessions for album promotions, such as his 2018 appearance where he discussed his track "Dangerous" in a hidden stage format, garnering thousands of views and fostering fan loyalty through accessible online formats.^[68]

Theater

Stage roles

Gree made his debut in musical theater in 2023 with the role of Jason in the show musical adaptation of the 2011 K-drama Dream High. The character of Jason is a talented Korean-American exchange student and dancer who enrolls at Kirin Arts High School with aspirations to become a singer.^[69] Gree shared the rotating role of Jason with Teen Top's Niel and ASTRO's JinJin, allowing each actor to perform during specific dates of the production. The musical, produced by ARTONE Company, ran from May 13 to July 23, 2023, at the Kwanglim Arts Center BBCH Hall in Seoul, blending dance sequences, vocals, and narrative elements from the original drama while advancing the story to the characters' post-high school lives.^[70] This live stage performance represented Gree's first venture into musical theater, emphasizing physical choreography and ensemble singing in a format that demanded real-time audience interaction and stamina distinct from his prior acting experiences.^[69]

Awards and nominations

Awards won

Gree received the Brigade Commander’s Model Marine Award in 2025 for his exemplary performance during mandatory military service in the Marine Corps 2nd Division Artillery Brigade, where he served as a sergeant until his discharge in January 2026. This commendation, presented during a ceremony recognizing outstanding soldiers on February 24, 2025, also included recognition for facility and environmental management.^[71]

Nominations

Gree received a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2008 KBS Drama Awards for his performance in the daily drama "Returned Earthen Bowl," highlighting his early talent as a child actor in a supporting role that contributed to the show's family-oriented narrative. The nomination placed him among other young talents in KBS productions, though the category was ultimately awarded to another performer.^[72] Following his music debut in 2016, Gree was recognized as a promising new artist in the hip-hop genre, with his single "Nineteen" topping multiple online charts and earning praise from critics for its introspective lyrics on youth. Although he did not receive formal nominations for Best New Artist at major ceremonies like the Mnet Asian Music Awards or Korean Music Awards that year, his breakthrough performance in "High School Rapper" in 2017 positioned him as a standout among emerging rappers, with judges noting his technical skill and stage presence amid fierce competition from participants like NCT's Mark and Justhis.^[14]