[Summary] Jang Je-won's Son Accused of 'Unlicensed Driving and Assaulting Police' Says "I Will Accept the Punishment"

Post an Apology on SNS
"Strive to Become a More Mature Member of Society"

Rapper Jang Yong-jun (21, stage name Noel) / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Jang Yongjun (21, stage name Noel), a rapper and son of People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won, bowed his head and apologized regarding the incident in which he was booked on charges of assaulting a police officer who requested a breathalyzer test.

On the afternoon of the 19th, Jang posted on his Instagram account, saying, "I have nothing to say," and added, "I will accept all the punishment I deserve and strive to become a more mature member of society."

He continued, "I am truly sorry to all my fans and to many others who have been harmed because of me."

According to multiple media reports on the day, Jang caused a minor collision with another vehicle while driving a Mercedes-Benz in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, at around 10:30 p.m. on the 18th. The owner of the other vehicle was reportedly not seriously injured.

As a result, police officers who arrived at the scene suspected Jang of drinking and requested a breathalyzer test and identification. However, Jang reportedly refused the police's request and headbutted one of the officers.

Post left by Jang on his social media service (SNS) account on the 19th / Photo by Instagram capture

The police arrested Jang at the scene on charges including refusal to take a breathalyzer test, conducted a brief investigation, and then released him to go home.

This is not the first time Jang has been booked on charges related to drunk driving. Previously, in September 2019, he was prosecuted for drunk driving and driver substitution, among other charges. In the first trial in June last year, Jang was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 2-year probation.

Moreover, on the 10th, he caused controversy by making remarks that seemed to disparage recipients of the COVID-19 National Support Fund (Gukmin Jiwongeum).

At that time, he captured comments from netizens who harshly criticized his new song and posted them on his social media account, then criticized, "Those who do somersaults out of joy after receiving disaster relief funds are acting tough on the internet."

Meanwhile, Jang gained public attention as a rapper under the stage name "Noel" after appearing on the Mnet entertainment program "High School Rapper" in 2017. He also attracted attention as the son of lawmaker Jang Je-won.

However, during the broadcast, controversy arose when an SNS post presumed to be related to an attempted prostitution surfaced, leading to his withdrawal after just one episode.