ENTERTAINMENT
Former WINNER Member Nam Tae-hyun Faces 18-Month Prison Sentence for DUI and Speeding
During a trial held on the 12th at the Seoul Western District Court, presided over by Judge Yang Eun-sang, the prosecution sought a sentence of 18 months in prison and a fine of 1 million KRW for Nam Tae-hyun, who was indicted for violating the Road Traffic Act.
The prosecution highlighted that Nam had a prior record of DUI offenses, committed the crime again, and was on probation for a drug-related offense at the time of the incident.
Nam is accused of causing an accident while driving under the influence near Dongjak Bridge on the Gangbyeon Expressway in April last year. He reportedly hit a central divider while overtaking another vehicle, driving at 182 km/h, far exceeding the road's speed limit of 80 km/h. His blood alcohol level was over 0.08%, the threshold for license revocation.
In 2023, Nam was also fined 6 million KRW for a DUI incident. While waiting for a designated driver, he opened the door of his parked car, which collided with a passing taxi, damaging its right side mirror. Despite a blood alcohol level of 0.114%, well above the revocation level, Nam drove his car 5 to 10 meters.
Notably, Nam was caught for DUI while under investigation for drug charges in 2023, and again committed DUI during his probation period for drug use. In January 2024, he was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year probation for drug use, making him on probation at the time of the accident. Although the police requested an arrest warrant, the court denied it, citing no risk of evidence destruction.
In his final statement, Nam expressed, "I lived under the pressure of creating and expressing something. I have wrapped my immaturity, inadequacy, and foolishness in emotional expression, inspiration, and depression," adding, "Looking back, I realized it was just an excuse. I understand that my past actions are unacceptable. I will change myself to ensure this never happens again."
The first trial verdict for Nam Tae-hyun is scheduled for April 9th.
By You-Na Tae, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr
