As former National Assembly member Jang Je-won unexpectedly ended his life, the focus is shifting regarding his son, rapper Noel.
In November 2015, while serving as the vice president of a university in Busan, former National Assembly member Jang Je-won was sued for allegations of sexual violence (quasi-rape). However, the deceased firmly rebutted A's claims, asserting his innocence.
On the 27th of last month, A's side released a video suspected to have been filmed in a hotel room in Gangnam at that time. The video captures a situation where former National Assembly member Jang Je-won calls A’s name and asks him to fetch water, the circumstances of an attempted assault, and the victim responding with a sobbing voice.
On the morning of the 1st, A's side planned to hold a press conference to explain the details of the complaint. However, possibly feeling pressure regarding this, former National Assembly member Jang Je-won took his own life the day before the press conference was scheduled after a police investigation. With the death of the involved party, the police investigation is expected to conclude due to lack of prosecutorial authority.
Just before the news of his father's death became known, Noel posted a handwritten letter on his Instagram saying, "There have been so many things from small venues to the concert halls I dreamt of, but I'm always grateful that you've told me my songs and activities provide you comfort. I'll perform in even bigger venues and become a greater artist, so I won't embarrass you."
However, after reports of the late Jang Je-won’s death emerged around 6 a.m. on the 1st, Noel deleted his post and closed the comments section due to the flood of negative comments. In response, Noel's agency, Indigo Music, announced on their official social media on the 1st, "Judging that artist protection is needed, all upcoming content related to the artist will be managed by the company."
Despite this, Noel communicated through an open chat room with fans, saying, "Of course, how could I be okay, but please don’t worry too much about me. It’s okay not to say something as ridiculous as how could one understand, let me send him off well. Thankfully, I've experienced a lot at a young age, so I won't collapse because of others, so please don’t worry too much."
In fact, former National Assembly member Jang Je-won publicly apologized to the nation for his son's misdeeds. In 2017, during the grant appearance on 'High School Rapper,' he was embroiled in a controversy regarding the personal life of a minor. In September 2019, he was caught driving under the influence, and in February 2021, he was involved in an incident of assault while drunk. The issues surrounding his negative remarks on social media and the incident in September 2021 regarding refusal to take a breathalyzer test and driving without a license caused significant damage.
Regarding his son's controversies and the sexual assault allegations surrounding himself, former National Assembly member Jang Je-won vowed to restore his honor in the political arena in a state of turmoil. However, he ended his life, adding bitterness as he put aside complicated personal and family matters. In this situation, the mixed reactions to Noel's emotional post have only intensified the sentiment.
※ If you have difficulties discussing issues such as depression or know someone experiencing such hardships, you can receive 24-hour professional counseling at the suicide prevention hotline 109 or through the SNS counseling platform Madlelan.
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