He is accused of feigning mental illness to obtain a social service assignment.
The next trial is scheduled for September 7, where witness testimonies will take place.
[TV Daily Reporter Kim Ji-ha] Rapper Kundi Panda (real name Bok-hyeon, 28) has been accused of military law violations and denied all charges during his first trial at the Seoul Western District Court. Attending court dressed in a black jacket and a white mask, Kundi Panda sat alongside his two lawyers and firmly refuted the prosecution's claims.
According to the prosecution, Kundi Panda is alleged to have feigned mental illness to evade military service. After receiving a grade of 2 from his initial military examination in 2016, he reportedly fabricated symptoms in early 2022 to obtain a doctor's note. This note later allowed him to receive a grade of 4 for supplementary service.
The next hearing is set for September 7 at 2 PM, where witness testimonies related to the diagnosis and military evaluation are expected to be conducted.
Kundi Panda is currently facing an unexpected situation in the Korean hip-hop scene. This case has the potential to dramatically affect his musical career, drawing attention from fans and the industry alike. Military service is a particularly sensitive topic in South Korea, suggesting that this issue could become a significant factor influencing his future activities.
His outright denial in this trial may indicate a strategy to mount a strong defense. The outcome of this court case is likely to have a direct impact on his career, with fans and audiences keenly observing not just his music but also how he navigates this challenging situation.
It remains to be seen whether Kundi Panda will emerge stronger from this experience, potentially using it to inspire his future music and undertakings. The unveiling of his true story will be an important aspect of this process, drawing considerable interest from all quarters.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: Kundi Panda SNS
