Former WINNER member Nam Tae-hyun has admitted to drunk driving and speeding while under probation, pleading for leniency.
The Seoul Western District Court held the second trial for Nam Tae-hyun’s violation of the Road Traffic Act on the 12th.
The prosecution, acknowledging Nam Tae-hyun’s admission of all charges, requested a sentence of 1 year and 6 months in prison and a fine of 1 million won, citing the poor nature of the crime due to recidivism, high blood alcohol content, and the offense occurring during his probation period.
During his final statement, Nam Tae-hyun read a prepared statement, saying, “I have lived as a singer from 2009, when I started as a trainee in middle school, until 2025. In an environment somewhat different from a typical life, I was always under pressure to create and express something, and in the process, I masked my immaturity, shortcomings, and foolishness with ridiculous things like emotional expression, inspiration, and depression.”
He continued, “Looking back, I belatedly realized that it was ultimately an excuse. I was fortunate enough to gain popularity, fame, and financial comfort at a young age. However, I believe I am an example of what happens when such things are given to someone whose inner self is not prepared.”
Nam Tae-hyun stated, “I was truly foolish and ignorant, and I had a negative impact on others and suffered from depression. Then, I blamed others and the world.” He added, “However, I now realize that the cause was entirely within myself, and I have learned that changing me and changing my life is ultimately up to me. I am well aware that my past actions are unacceptable, and I ask for your help to ensure that the same thing never happens again,” pleading for leniency.
Nam Tae-hyun’s lawyer stated, “Nam Tae-hyun drove under the influence and sped on his way home after drinking with an acquaintance.” He added, “He has cooperated diligently with the investigation, and we ask you to consider that it is difficult to assess that Nam Tae-hyun is a habitual offender who has no awareness of drunk driving based solely on this incident.”
The lawyer continued, “He has faced an impossibly large amount of social criticism due to the social stigma resulting from this incident, and he has had a difficult time, having been hospitalized in a psychiatric ward after the offense.” He added, “In this process, he has spent time deeply regretting and reflecting on his past. He is currently working as an office worker, moving away from his past as an idol singer, and striving to live a diligent and ordinary life as a citizen. We ask for one last chance.”
Nam Tae-hyun was indicted for driving under the influence on April 27, 2025, at approximately 4:10 AM near the Dongjak Bridge in the direction of Ilsan on the Gangbyeon North Road in Seoul, with a blood alcohol content of 0.122%, exceeding the license revocation standard (0.08%).
At the time, he was reportedly driving at 182 km/h, far exceeding the speed limit of 80 km/h on the road, and crashed into the median strip. Fortunately, there were no casualties as a result of the accident.
This is Nam Tae-hyun’s second drunk driving offense. In March 2023, while under investigation for drug-related charges, he caused a traffic accident while intoxicated and received a summary order for a fine of 6 million won. In January of last year, he was indicted along with his former girlfriend, Seo Min-jae, for violating the Narcotics Control Act and sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years.
Nam Tae-hyun entered the court for his first trial with his long yellow hair tied back. When the judge asked, “Do you admit to all the charges?” Nam Tae-hyun replied, “Yes.” Nam Tae-hyun briefly stated his occupation as “currently an office worker.”
