Rapper Jang Yong-jun, who has been indicted on charges of 'drunk driving and driver substitution,' is responding to questions from the press at the Western District Court. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Rapper Noel (real name Jang Yongjun) has sparked public outrage over consecutive incidents including drunk driving and driving without a license, leading to calls for holding his father, Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party, accountable. In response, Assemblyman Jang stated, "I will never exert any influence as a member of the National Assembly."
On the 23rd, multiple petitions appeared on the Blue House National Petition Board demanding the revocation of Assemblyman Jang's parliamentary membership.
Petitioner A posted a message titled "I want Assemblyman Jang Je-won, father of Jang Yongjun, to be stripped of his parliamentary seat." He began by saying, "Noel's continuous criminal acts cannot be seen as free from the responsibility of Assemblyman Jang as a father."
He continued, "The confidence that allowed Noel to commit such acts stems from having a father who is a member of the National Assembly," and added, "I am puzzled as to how the punishment for the previous drunk driving incident resulted in a suspended sentence."
Furthermore, A pointed out, "Unlike in the past, there is now widespread recognition that drunk driving is a murderous act. Yet, Assemblyman Jang fails to correct his son's behavior and instead criticizes other politicians, which is a vulgar act," and said, "Ordinary people and celebrities alike are cautious about the wrongdoings of their family and acquaintances, but Noel's confidence in committing a murderous act without remorse originates from Assemblyman Jang's power."
He also stated, "Leaving that power as it is is tantamount to providing the cause of crime to criminals," and added, "I feel a sense of self-disgust that the strict and fearsome national authority for ordinary citizens is so laughable to this family."
On the 23rd, a petition was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board calling for the revocation of the parliamentary seat of Jang Je-won, the father of Noel. [Photo by Blue House National Petition Board capture]
On the same day, a post titled "Strict punishment and investigation for Jang Je-won's son (Noel)" was also uploaded on the board.
Petitioner B, who wrote this post, said, "Arrest him now. Haven't we been lenient enough?" and criticized, "Looking at the situation so far, he is indeed an untouchable member of the upper class. This is not the Joseon Dynasty; how can we overlook him just because he is a nobleman's son and his father holds a government position?"
He also said, "During these difficult times due to COVID-19, people like him are not even fellow citizens. Punish him severely."
Regarding this, Assemblyman Jang opened up, saying, "I will never exert any influence as a member of the National Assembly."
On the 26th, according to Yonhap News, Assemblyman Jang expressed, "I cannot contain my devastated feelings" about his son Noel causing multiple controversies.
Assemblyman Jang said, "My son Yongjun, as an adult, must accept any punishment for his mistakes."
He added, "I once again ask the judicial authorities to handle my son's wrongdoing swiftly according to law and principle without any consideration."
Meanwhile, on the night of the 18th, around 10:30 PM, Noel caused a collision while driving without a license in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. When the police at the scene requested a breathalyzer test and identity verification, Noel refused and headbutted a police officer, leading to his arrest on the spot.
The next day, on the 19th, Noel apologized via his Instagram, saying, "I have nothing to say. I will accept all the punishment I deserve and strive to become a more mature member of society."
Previously, in September 2019, Noel was also indicted on charges including drunk driving and driver substitution. In June last year, he was sentenced in the first trial to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 2-year suspended sentence and ordered to complete 40 hours of safe driving lectures.
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