Singer Nam Tae Hyun, formerly of the group WINNER, has admitted to charges of drunk driving.
The Criminal Court 11 of the Seoul Western District Court held a second hearing on March 12 for Nam Tae Hyun, who was indicted on charges including violation of the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving).
On that day, the prosecution requested a sentence of 1 year and 6 months imprisonment and a fine of 1 million won, considering that Nam Tae Hyun was caught drunk driving during his probation period, had a high blood alcohol concentration, and the potential for reoffending.
In his final statement, Nam Tae Hyun spoke about his time as a trainee until his debut, saying, “I lived under the pressure of always having to create and express something in an environment very different from a normal life. In that process, I wrapped my immaturity and shortcomings in unreasonable things.”
He added, “Looking back, I realized that these were all just excuses. I was fortunate to gain popularity, honor, and financial power at a young age. But I think I am a case that shows what happens when someone’s inner self is unprepared for those things.”
Nam Tae Hyun continued, “I was stupid and foolish, had a bad influence on others, and developed depression. At the same time, I blamed the world. I realized that all the causes lay within myself. I know my actions can never be justified, and I ask for help to make sure the same thing does not happen again.”
Nam Tae Hyun’s lawyer pleaded for leniency, stating that he cooperated sincerely with the investigation, faced strong social condemnation, was admitted to a psychiatric hospital after the offense, and is expressing remorse and regret.
Meanwhile, Nam Tae Hyun is accused of driving under the influence near Dongjak Bridge on the Gangbyeon Expressway heading toward Ilsan at around 4:10 a.m. on April 27 last year, during which he attempted to overtake a car and crashed into the central divider.
At the time, his blood alcohol concentration was investigated to be 0.122%, exceeding the license cancellation level of 0.08%. He was also charged with speeding, driving at 182 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
Nam Tae Hyun was also sent to prosecution in March 2023 on charges of drunk driving with a blood alcohol level exceeding the license cancellation threshold and was later issued a summary order for a fine of 6 million won in July of the same year.
Additionally, in 2022, Nam Tae Hyun was indicted on charges of jointly using methamphetamine with his ex-girlfriend, Seo Min Jae, a former cast member of Channel A’s variety show Heart Signal 3, and was sentenced in January 2024 to 1 year in prison with 2 years probation.
