[Comprehensive] "Like a clueless royal" Noel causing repeated scandals... Petition to revoke father's parliamentary seat

"Jang Je-won Is Not Without Responsibility" Calls for Removal from Office
Noel, Recent Controversies Including Police Assault and Verbal Abuse

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A public petition has been filed demanding the removal of Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party and father of rapper Noel (21, real name Jang Yong-jun), from his parliamentary seat following a series of controversies including assaulting a police officer and criticizing recipients of the government relief fund. The petitioner argued that the father's responsibility cannot be excluded from Noel's 'deviant' behavior, stating, "I believe he had the confidence to commit such acts because his father, a member of the National Assembly, existed."

Rapper Noel (21, real name Jang Yong-jun), son of Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party / Photo by Yonhap News

On the 23rd, a post titled "We want the removal of Jang Je-won, father of Jang Yong-jun, from the National Assembly" was uploaded on the Blue House's public petition board.

The petitioner stated, "The continuous criminal acts of Jang Je-won's son do not seem to absolve Jang Je-won of responsibility as a father," and added, "I question whether the suspended sentence given for Jang's past crimes could have been handed down if his father, a member of the National Assembly, had not been present."

They continued, "Nowadays, drunk driving is naturally recognized as a murderous act, yet the father shamelessly appears before the public without reflecting on or correcting his son's repeated crimes, instead blaming only other politicians. This is a vulgar act that lacks any dignity expected of a member of the National Assembly."

The petitioner criticized Jang and Noel, saying, "They resemble the vulgar kings and clueless royalty of the imperial era," and added, "I believe such people should never be entrusted with public office."

They emphasized, "If the confidence that refuses to reflect stems from the power of Jang Je-won's parliamentary position, that power must be eliminated."

A petition demanding the removal of Assemblyman Jang, Noel's father, from his position was also posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. / Photo by National Petition Board capture

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

Police officers who arrived at the scene suspected Noel of drunk driving and requested a breathalyzer test and identification. However, Noel refused the police's request and headbutted an officer. The police arrested Noel on-site for refusing the breathalyzer test and other charges, conducted a brief investigation, and then released him to go home.

This incident occurred during Noel's probation period. In September 2019, Noel was prosecuted for causing a drunk driving accident and attempting to switch drivers, among other charges, and was sentenced in June last year to one year and six months in prison with a two-year probation.

Meanwhile, on the 10th, Noel sparked controversy by making remarks that appeared to belittle recipients of the "COVID-19 Coexistence National Support Fund" (National Support Fund).

Jang Je-won, member of the People Power Party. / Photo by Yonhap News

At that time, he captured comments from netizens who harshly criticized his new song and posted them on his social media account, then lashed out, saying, "Those bastards who do somersaults out of joy when they get disaster relief money are acting tough on the internet."

Amid growing controversy over his son, Jang, who serves as the head of the situation room for Yoon Seok-yeol’s People Power Party presidential campaign, reportedly expressed several times to the campaign his intention to take responsibility and step down. However, Yoon is said to have rejected this, stating, "There is no need to resign from the campaign due to the son's personal misconduct."

Meanwhile, Noel gained public attention as a rapper after appearing on the 2017 Mnet reality show "High School Rapper." At that time, it became even more of a topic as it was revealed he was the son of Jang Je-won.

However, during the show, a social media post suggesting an attempt at prostitution surfaced, causing controversy, and he eventually withdrew after just one episode.