Rapper Noel (real name Jang Yong-jun) promoted his own concert following the cancellation of hip-hop star Kanye West’s planned performance in Korea. On the 19th, Noel shared the news of Kanye West’s canceled concert, announced by Coupang Play, on his social media, commenting, “Thank you.”
When an acquaintance informed others that “Actually, Yong-jun’s concert is on the 31st,” making a reference to Noel’s performance on that day, Noel shared this information further, adding a “ㅋ” to indicate laughter.
The concert was initially scheduled to take place on the 31st at Incheon Munhak Stadium and was meant to be Kanye’s first solo concert in Korea since his world tour in 2016. However, Kanye recently drew attention and controversy for praising Hitler. In a 2022 interview, he stated that “I like Hitler,” and “Every human being has value, in some way. Especially Hitler.” He also caused controversy by sharing an image that combined the Nazi swastika with the Jewish Star of David. Following this, on the 8th of May, coinciding with Europe’s World War II Victory Day, Kanye released a piece titled “Heil Hitler” (Hail to Hitler), which incorporated Hitler’s speeches, and its chorus included the line “They don’t understand what I’m saying on Twitter” followed by “Heil Hitler.”
Meanwhile, Noel faced personal loss earlier on March 31st, when his father, former lawmaker Jang Je-won, passed away. He was found dead in an officetel in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, around 11:45 PM.
Jang, who had been the vice president of a university in Busan, was accused in January of this year of sexual assault (causing injury) against a secretary in November 2015. The complainant had planned a press conference on April 1st to explain the circumstances and reasons for the accusation, but it was canceled due to Jang’s death.
Following this incident, Noel attended the funeral at Busan Haeundae Hospital, wearing a mourning armband and presiding over the memorial, with the deceased’s remains laid to rest at Siloam Park Cemetery in Busan.