Former People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won has died, and his son, rapper Noel (real name Jang Yong-jun), has closed the comment section on social media.
On the afternoon of the 1st, Noel closed all comment sections on his Instagram. He also deleted most of his previously posted content, leaving only his upcoming solo concert announcement for May. A letter photo he posted in the morning was also deleted.
The photo Noel shared included a lengthy letter he wrote to his fans. Noel noted, "Thank you for always saying you were comforted by my songs and activities, even though there have been so many things from performing in small venues to the concert hall I dreamed of."
Noel said, "I will perform in bigger venues for you and become a more amazing artist so that you won't be ashamed of me," and added, "All those who have left me, whether friends or fans, or those who quietly cheer from afar as love has cooled down, are all part of my youth with great memories. Please love me again whenever I return."
He continued, "I love you, thank you for achieving your dreams. See you on May 31."
Noel's father, Jang Je-won, was found dead around 11:40 p.m. the previous day, just before Noel shared the photo. About six hours later, as the news of his death was reported, netizens visited Noel's social media to offer words of comfort.
However, negative comments towards the deceased also appeared in the comment section. Some netizens left mocking comments regarding former lawmaker Jang's death, and Noel responded with a reply that included profanity before closing the comment section.
Former lawmaker Jang, who served three terms, was sued in November 2015 for alleged sexual violence (quasi-rape) against his secretary A while he was the vice president of a university in Busan. Jang's side has consistently denied the allegations of sexual assault that A claims, and it is reported that he completely denied the allegations during police questioning on the 28th.
However, the day before, A's side released a video presumed to have been filmed in a hotel room in Gangnam during the incident. The video showed Jang calling A by name and sending her to fetch water, attempting inappropriate behavior, and A responding with a sobbing voice. Subsequently, A's side was scheduled to hold a press conference at 10 a.m. that day to explain the details of the complaint, but it was canceled due to Jang's death.
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