Meet The Young And Controversial South Korean Rapper No:el
No:el is known as a rapper involved in quite a number of controversial issues. His Twitter post once went viral and he has even faced a one and a half years of prison time due to committing a dangerous drunk-driving accident and violating a special law of prevention insurance fraud.
However, besides these controversies, he also has appeared in several programs related to rap music. Let’s get to know No:el better in this Byeol Korea article! Stay tuned and keep reading!
Jang Yong-joon (No:el) Profile
No:el who has the real name Jang Yong-joon is a South Korean rapper. He was born on May 30th, 2000. He made his debut on September 2nd, 2017, with the album Elleonoel under Prima Music Group.
In fact, No:el is also the son of the National Assembly Member Jang Jae Won, from the United Future Party.
He used to attend Saint Paul International High School before joining High School Rapper as a contestant.
Jang Yong-joon (No:el) Tracklist
Studio Albums
Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
---|---|---|---|
KOR | |||
Elleonoel |
|
— | N/A |
Doubleonoel |
|
36 |
|
Extended Plays
Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
---|---|---|---|
Gaon | |||
18’S/S |
|
— | N/A |
18’F/W |
|
— | N/A |
Charted Singles
Title | Year | Peak chart positions |
Album | |
---|---|---|---|---|
KOR | ||||
Gaon Digital | Billboard Hot | |||
Collaborations | ||||
“Indigo” with Justhis, Kid Milli, Young B |
2018 | 17 | 20 | IM |
“Flex” with Giriboy, Kid Milli, Swings |
11 | 12 | Non-album single |
Jang Yong-joon (No:el) in High School Rapper
Jang Yong-joon first became known as a contestant in the reality show High School Rapper (Korean: 고등래퍼) aired on Mnet. This show is a South Korean survival hip-hop TV show from 2017. The mentors in this music reality show are YDG, Swings, Deepflow, Mad Clown, Jessi, Seo Chul-gu, and Giriboy.
In episode 1, No:el or Jang Yong-jun showed extraordinary ability in rapping. For instance, for his performance of the song titled “Swing,” he got nice compliments from all the mentors.
Unfortunately, in the second episode, Jang Yong-joon got in trouble after his social media status on Twitter went viral showing improper statements and behavior for a student like drinking and prostitution. Additionally, his relation to the politician Jang Jae-won made the situation even worse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6kgsHdptyE
This is a video of his performances in High School Rapper, it really shows his talent and skills in rapping.
After this news spread, Jang Je Won’s father issued a personal statement and resigned from his role in politics. On February 12th, he gave apologizes to the public that showed his responsibility regarding these controversies that happened with his son.
He stated, “I apologize to the people of this nation, and I deeply apologize to those who have been hurt by the recent events. Everything is my fault.”
He also continued, “I bow my head as I apologize to the members of my political party as well as to all of you who have been watching over us with affection. It has not been that long since I started with the intent of doing proper politics, but I have caused great damage to the party. I will resign from my position as spokesperson and chairperson of the Busan city hall. I will be taking the time to look back and reflect on myself.”
“I will also be taking time to repent for not only my son’s problems but for the things I did that hurt others. I will deeply educate myself. I kneel down and ask for your forgiveness once more.”
Controversies Surrounding Jang Yong-joon (No:el)
This talented young rapper, Jang Yong Joon (No:el), has been involved in several controversies throughout his relatively short music career. At the beginning of the reality show High School Rapper, he showed his angry reaction towards something crucial in family-related issues and his involvement in alcohol abuse and prostitution on his personal social media. Some statements on his Twitter insinuated his involvement in “conditional meeting” that translated into soliciting prostitution on his past experience.
Due to that situation, he also took part in explaining his behavior, “I left because it was my fault. It’s something I have to take responsibility for. However, even if these events occurred, I’m still planning on releasing my EP album, which I’ve been working on, as planned.”
As taken from Soompi, No:el also said, “I don’t want to say anything about the people who are cursing [at me]. Because the people who are cursing have their own reasons for doing so. I’m not pretending to be generous either. If you want to curse [at me], then you can.”
On February 13th, No:el also issued a handwritten apology to the public,
“When I was younger, I was caught between my studies and music and had many conflicts with my parents. I think my anxiety and insecurities were expressed towards my friends and family in the wrong way. I’m very ashamed of it, and I feel very sorry. I sincerely apologize for saying such crude things just because of simple curiosity. However, I have never had any meetings of the sort. I do recognize that sending that kind of Twitter mention is wrong in itself. I am so ashamed of myself that I can’t even look at the screenshot properly. I don’t believe I will be forgiven through this letter, and I began writing this to look back on myself for hurting the people I hurt. Once again, I sincerely apologize.”
In the beginning, when this news spread to the surface, the producers of High School Rapper commented, “We issue our position on the controversy regarding Jang Yong Joon. Currently, he is deeply reflecting on himself. We would like to apologize to all of those who were affected by this incident. Jang Yoon Joon expressed his desire to leave the show, and we accepted his decision. We plan to support his musical endeavors from afar. Lastly, we will do our best to create a better program that will showcase the skills and dreams of high school students. Attached is Jang Yong Joon’s heartfelt letter of apology.”
They respected and supported No:el’s decisions regarding this situation.
On the other hand, No:el or Jang Yong Joon, was also involved in a traffic accident including drunk-driving when he had just joined Show Me The Money at the same time.
He got arrested by The Seoul Mapo Police Station after his car collided with a motorcycle around 2 a.m. on September 7th in the Mapo area. The police detected that No:el had alcohol blood content of 0.08 percent which was enough to take his license certificate. Their investigation is still ongoing.
Again, he wrote an apology letter about the condition he was in at that time,
“This is NO:EL (Jang Yong Joon). I am writing to apologize for being involved in a disgraceful incident like drunk driving.
I am very sorry and there are no excuses for what I’ve done. I am very sorry for the people who were harmed because of me. I bow my head in apology.
I will participate fully in the police investigation and will receive the appropriate punishment. I am very sorry.
Even if I open my mouth, I have nothing to say for myself. I will reflect on myself and live with a sense of responsibility so that this doesn’t happen again.
I am also deeply sorry to the Indigo Music artists and management staff and I am suspending all my entertainment industry activities.
Once again, I am sincerely sorry. I am deeply ashamed to have disappointed the people who trusted and loved me despite the fact that I was lacking in many ways.”
In light of all these controversies surrounding him, he realized his responsibility and issued a statement on his Instagram account: “I am angry and embarrassed with myself for all the things I shouldn’t have done when I was underaged, and I think of it as past I can’t erase… However, I have a definite passion and trust in my music, and I didn’t want to grow stale, so even though I’m afraid to, I’ve decided to show my face in front of the public again.”
He will always come up into music regarding all his past experiences, and giving an explanation about his father that has nothing to do with him anymore since they are living separately for a long time. He refused to be involved with his family in his situation.
Jang Yong-joon (No:el) in Show Me The Money
Jang Yong-joon is never giving up on his music career which is why he decided to audition for Show Me The Money. He is now under Prima Music Group and is trying his luck to get in the show. The Prima Music Group also has already famous rappers under them including PrimeiBoi, Jay Moon, and Quaimo.
He is using the same name that he used to No:el to audition and appear in Show Me The Money, which is a reality show about rapping skills.
His labelmate also showed his support for No:el by saying on his Instagram, “This is our new member Noel. All those who are planning to appear on ‘Show Me the Money,’ get ready to pack your bags.”
Despite all the controversies he had in the past, he insisted on launching his new music album.
Jang Yong-joon (No-el) Latest News
After the accident that he had in the past including a collision with a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol, he is about to get his first trial. The first trial was supposed to take place on February 27th, 2020, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the trial was postponed for April 9th, at the Seoul Western District Court.
He was asked about his profession in the court, and he said his job is a freelancer. The prosecutor stated that he struck the motorcycle while driving under the influence of alcohol with a level of 0.12 percent. Cited from Allkpop, the lawyer of No:el explained, “He acknowledges all the facts of the indictment. There is no additional evidence to submit, but we do have material to submit for the assessment of the case.”
His next trial was scheduled for May 7th, 2020. This accident also revealed his involvement in the crime of bribing the motorcycle driver with 10,000,000 won (around 10,000 USD). No:el lied to the police officer regarding the person who is driving. Other strangers showed up to take his blame but later he denied switching his true identity.
That’s all about Jang Yong-joon’s appearance in music reality shows and his controversies. Rooting for his problem to be finished and making it in the music world. Please, kindly drop your comments and share your thoughts in the comment section below!