Former lawmaker Jang Jae-won, who had bowed his head because of his son, ended his life bitterly.

According to police on the 1st, former lawmaker Jang was found dead at around 11:40 p.m. on the 31st of last month in an officetel in Gangdong-gu, Seoul. It was confirmed that a suicide note written by the deceased was left at the scene. Various media outlets reported that it contained an apology to his family.

Former lawmaker Jang Jae-won was under police investigation for allegations of sexual assault (quasi-rape injury) against his secretary A while serving as the vice president of a university in Busan in November 2015. However, the deceased firmly denied the allegations against A.

However, the day before Jang faced police questioning, on the 27th of last month, A's side released a video presumed to have been filmed in a hotel room in Gangnam. The video captured Jang calling A's name and asking for water while attempting to engage in inappropriate behavior, with the victim responding in a tearful voice.

A's side planned to hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on the 1st to explain the circumstances of the complaint. Feeling pressure regarding this, Jang ended his life the day before. With the death of the involved party, the police investigation is expected to conclude without prosecution.

Jang Jae-won, who hails from Busan, served as a lawmaker in the 18th, 20th, and 21st National Assemblies. He successfully completed three terms in Sasang-gu, Busan but was eliminated in the 19th general elections and subsequently worked as a political commentator on broadcasts such as 'Sseoljeon.' He had a glamorous political career representing a conservative party as a political heir following his father.

However, his son was always a problem. Jang Yong-jun (rapper Noel), who appeared on Mnet's 'High School Rapper,' captivated judges and viewers with his extraordinary skills despite being a first-year student at St. Paul International School in 2017. Swings remarked, "Do you have a company? Let's talk; that kid is really good," praising him.

However, the attention from the broadcast worked like poison. Some netizens, citing Jang Yong-jun's past, flooded social media with character assassination posts, particularly capturing and circulating tweets that could be legally problematic across various online communities. Eventually, just one hour after the broadcast ended, Jang Yong-jun became the center of controversy.

In addition to his personal scandals, Jang Yong-jun faced criticism over a drunk driving incident in September 2019 and a drinking-related assault in February 2021. He garnered widespread disfavor with remarks such as, "I expect to live a short life, predicting I will die at 27. In fact, people who live like that tend to survive longer," and, "Most of the people who criticize me are 'daekkemiun' (a derogatory term for some supporters of President Moon Jae-in). Daekkemiun are not human beings; they are insects."

Ultimately, in September 2021, former lawmaker Jang, whose son was caught on the spot for refusing alcohol testing under the Road Traffic Act and unlicensed driving, stated, "I couldn't hold on for even a minute. I feel ashamed before the public, and I cannot quell my apologies to candidate Yoon Seok-youl," stepping down from his role as camp general manager.

"From now on, I will reflect deeply on my sins as a father who has raised a child poorly and take a period of self-restraint. Although my son, who has committed a crime, is innocent, I will diligently fulfill my role as a father that I had neglected until now. I apologize once again to the people and the local residents who have raised me," he left in a public apology.

The controversies surrounding his son, as well as the allegations of sexual crimes against him, made Jang pledge to restore his honor in a state of uncertainty in the political realm. On the 5th of last month, he revealed on his Facebook, "This is a matter that encompasses my entire life. Moreover, I am currently an ordinary citizen. It seems that a lonely and arduous time starts for me from now on. Thinking of those who have high expectations for me, my heart aches. I will overcome this well."

However, having ended his life while leaving behind the complex personal and family affairs adds to the tragedy.

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