Runner-Up of Mnet 'Show Me the Money 3' rapper Iron (real name Jeong Heon-cheol), who burst onto the hip-hop scene like a comet, has been gone for 5 years. His tumultuous life, marked by various incidents, is being recalled once again.
Iron was found collapsed in a flower bed of an apartment in Jung-gu, Seoul, on January 25, 2021. He was 29 years old. He was urgently transported to the hospital but ultimately passed away. No signs of foul play or a suicide note were found, and his untimely death shocked the public at the time.
Iron made a strong impression with his performance of 'Poison' on 'Show Me the Money 3' in 2014, earning the runner-up position. He proved his unique musicality with his debut single in 2015 and a full-length album in 2016. However, the life behind the glamorous stage was a series of controversies.
His downfall began with a guilty verdict for marijuana use in 2016. In 2017, he was sentenced to 8 months in prison with a 2-year probation for assaulting and threatening his ex-girlfriend, leaving an indelible stain on his reputation. At the time, he appealed his innocence through media interviews, but public opinion was cold.
Just before his death, Iron expressed remorse for his past mistakes and his desire to return as a musician through social media. However, while preparing for a comeback, he was arrested on charges of assaulting a minor student with a baseball bat (special injury), once again embroiling him in legal battles.
Ultimately, the case was closed due to 'no prosecution rights' following the suspect's death. Now, on the 5th anniversary, there is still a mix of regret for his musical talent and criticism for the mistakes he made during his life among fans and the public.
