Statement Calling for the Expulsion of Rapper Noel, Son of Jang Je-won: "He Tarnished the Spirit of Hip-Hop"

Rapper Jang Yong-jun (stage name Noel), son of Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party.
[Photo provided by Glitched Company]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] Rapper Jang Yongjun (22, stage name Noel), also well known as the son of People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won, has caused controversy due to unlicensed driving and assaulting police officers, prompting calls for his expulsion.

Today (the 20th), the Hip-hop Gallery of the online community 'DC Inside' issued a 'Statement Urging Expulsion' regarding Jang. In the statement, they began by saying, "We are announcing the official position of the gallery concerning rapper Noel's unlicensed drunk driving."

They continued, "Hip-hop refers to a new cultural movement formed in the late 1970s by African American and Latino youths living in the impoverished neighborhoods south of the Bronx in the United States," explaining, "Hip-hop is sometimes described as the only culture independently created in America." They added, "(Hip-hop) also began domestically in a free-spirited and lively party atmosphere," and "This unique characteristic of hip-hop is very inclusive, making it easy to blend with other elements."

In the statement, they said, "Rapper Noel is a hip-hop artist who stood out by appearing on several audition programs," and "He was loved by many fans dreaming of his rise due to his ability to handle beats from various genres, not limited to boom bap or trap." However, they also added, "Noel deeply disappointed fans with two instances of drunk driving and severely tarnished the honor of the hip-hop community."

Statement urging expulsion announced by DC Inside Hip-hop Gallery.
[Photo by DC Inside Hip-hop Gallery capture]

They stated, "All members of the Hip-hop Gallery can no longer tolerate Noel defiling the noble spirit of hip-hop," and "We hope he voluntarily withdraws from the hip-hop scene." They also strongly urged, "We strongly call on investigative and judicial authorities to punish Noel according to law and principles as a stern warning."

Earlier, on the 18th at around 10:30 p.m., Jang was driving a Mercedes-Benz without a license in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, when he caused a collision with another vehicle. When the police officers who arrived at the scene requested a breathalyzer test and identification to check for drunk driving, Jang refused and headbutted an officer, leading to his arrest on the spot.

Following the controversy after the accident, Jang posted an apology on his social media, stating, "I have nothing to say," "I will accept all the consequences and strive to become a more mature member of society," and "I am truly sorry to all my fans and many others who were harmed because of me."

Meanwhile, in September 2019, Jang was involved in an accident in Mapo-gu, Seoul, while driving under the influence and collided with a motorcycle. At that time, he attempted to switch drivers to evade responsibility but later surrendered to the police. His blood alcohol concentration was 0.129%, which is above the license cancellation threshold. Subsequently, Jang was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 2-year probation.