'Jang Je-won Son' Jang Yong-jun, Verdict Today in 'Unlicensed Driving and Refusal of Breath Test' Trial

Rapper Jang Yong-jun (Noel) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The first trial sentencing hearing for rapper Jang Yongjun (22, stage name Noel), who was indicted for refusing a breathalyzer test and assaulting a police officer, will be held on the 8th. Jang is the son of Jang Je-won, the chief secretary to the president-elect.

At 2 p.m. that day, Chief Judge Shin Hyukjae of the Criminal Division 4 at the Seoul Central District Court will conduct the sentencing hearing for Jang, who was charged with violating the Road Traffic Act (driving without a license) and other offenses.

During the previous closing arguments, the prosecutor requested the court to sentence Jang to three years in prison, stating, "The defendant reoffended during the probation period due to drunk driving and other offenses."

On the other hand, Jang's defense attorney acknowledged the facts but argued, "(The obstruction of official duties) occurred in an extremely brief moment of about one second, so it is difficult to consider it as assault. The defendant personally apologized to the injured police officers immediately after the incident," appealing for leniency.

Jang also made a final statement, saying, "I am very ashamed and sorry. I have deeply reflected on my mistakes while in detention. I will never repeat such actions in the future." He added, "I spent my childhood with trauma, feeling criticism and finger-pointing toward my father physically. Even after starting my career as a singer, my identity was exposed, which naturally led me to rely on alcohol, and when I drank, I seemed to become violent."

Earlier, on September 18 last year, around 10:30 p.m., Jang was caught in the act at an intersection in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after colliding with another vehicle while driving a Mercedes-Benz passenger car. He was arrested on charges of refusing a breathalyzer test and assaulting a police officer.

Videos released during the trial showed Jang cursing with phrases like "Get out of the way, you XX," engaging in a physical struggle with responding police officers, and staggering on the road to avoid getting into the patrol car. The police handcuffed Jang, grabbed both his arms, and put him into the vehicle. There was also footage of Jang assaulting a police officer while inside the car.

In 2019, Jang was also indicted for driving under the influence and colliding with a motorcycle in Mapo-gu, Seoul, and was sentenced in June 2020 to one year and six months in prison with a two-year probation period.