▲ This Sept. 30, 2021, file photo shows rapper NO:EL, whose legal name is Chang Yong-jun, entering Seocho Police Station in southern Seoul as part of an investigation over his alleged driving without a license and assaulting a police officer. (Yonhap)

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Rapper NO:EL referred to prosecution on charges of unlicensed driving, refusal of breathalyzer test

SEOUL, Oct. 19 (Yonhap) -- Police said Tuesday they have referred rapper NO:EL to the prosecution after arresting him on charges of driving without a license, refusing a breathalyzer test and headbutting a police officer.

The incident took place on the night of Sept. 18 when the 21-year-old rapper, whose real name is Chang Yong-jun, caused a fender bender while driving his Mercedes in southern Seoul. His driver's license was revoked at the time.

Police sent to the scene asked Chang to take a breathalyzer test, but he refused and headbutted the police officer, according to investigators.

Last week, he was arrested as a court issued a warrant for his arrest.

The law, revised in 2018 to strengthen punishment for DUI offenses, mandates imprisonment of two to five years or a fine of 10 million won (US$8,450) to 20 million won for those who are caught drunk driving or refuse to take a breathalyzer test twice or more.

Chang was previously sentenced to 1 1/2 years in prison, suspended for two years, in 2020 for causing a car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol the previous year.

Police said they also referred the passenger on charges of abetting Chang's unlicensed driving.

NO:EL is the only son of three-term lawmaker Chang Je-won of the main opposition People Power Party.

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