Rapper Noel shows changed habits after drunk-driving past — calling designated drivers, using breathalyzer

Rapper Noel has shared glimpses of his daily life since a past drunk-driving controversy, showing a noticeably changed approach to drinking and driving.

Two videos titled "Good Guys" and "Wonderland" were recently posted to the YouTube channel "Good Guys," featuring Noel and fellow rapper Han Yo-han sharing drinks and candid conversation.

What drew particular attention was Noel's behavior after the drinking session, given his past drunk-driving scandal. When the gathering ended, he used a smartphone app to call a designated driver.

While waiting for the driver to arrive, Noel said, "I'm now a man who calls a designated driver. My mom would scold me if she knew, but there's no other way — I have to call one." He then added, "A righteous life. Righteous, but fun." When the driver arrived, he got in the car and headed home.

In another video, Noel was seen taking precautions against driving with a hangover. As he prepared to go out, he turned on a selfie camera and said, "I have a routine I do before going out these days." Mentioning that he had recently bought a car, he said, "My mom worries about me driving with a hangover," and pulled out a portable breathalyzer.

"I blow into this and it shows right away," he said, breathing into the device. The reading on the screen was 0.063. After seeing the result, Noel said, "It's 0.063, so I'll take a taxi," and chose a cab instead of driving himself.

Born in 2000, Noel is the son of the late former lawmaker Jang Je-won. He first gained public recognition in 2017 through the Mnet talent show "High School Rapper" and "Show Me the Money 6."

In 2019, however, he became embroiled in controversy after causing a drunk-driving accident. The incident drew fierce criticism not only for the drunk driving itself but also after reports emerged that he had called an acquaintance to swap drivers following the crash. He was subsequently sentenced to one year and six months in prison, suspended for two years.

In 2021, he was again indicted on charges of drunk driving without a license and assaulting a police officer, and was sentenced to one year in prison, which he served. He was released after completing his sentence in October 2022.