NAM TAEHYUN
As the prosecution requested a firm prison sentence against NAM TAE HYUN, former member of the group WINNER, for a drunk driving accident that occurred during his probation period, NAM TAE HYUN’s side acknowledged the facts and asked for leniency.
The 11th criminal division of the Seoul Western District Court (chief judge HEO JUNSEO) held on the afternoon of the 12th the second hearing of the trial of NAM TAE HYUN, indicted for violation of the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving) and other charges.
The prosecution requested a sentence of one year and six months in prison as well as a fine of one million won, considering the fact that NAM TAE HYUN is a repeat offender, the high blood alcohol level, the excessive speed driving, and the fact that he was arrested during his probation period.
During the first hearing held last December, NAM TAE HYUN had acknowledged all the accusations. On that day as well, NAM TAE HYUN’s lawyer acknowledged the seriousness of the responsibility while requesting leniency, stating that “he sincerely cooperated during the investigation process.”
The lawyer stated that “although no circumstances related to crimes involving narcotics existed at the time, NAM TAE HYUN voluntarily submitted urine and hair samples to the investigative authorities and cooperated with the drug screening tests.” He also emphasized that the investigation was progressing quickly and that the designation of a lawyer had been made within a tight timeframe, and that NAM TAE HYUN had fully confessed the facts and cooperated sincerely during the investigation.
He added that “he received many social criticisms and went through a difficult period, to the point of being hospitalized in a psychiatric ward after the incident,” and that “he is currently spending his time reflecting and repenting, and now strives to live as an ordinary citizen as an office worker.”
NAM TAE HYUN is accused of having hit the central barrier near Dongjak Bridge on the Gangbyeonbuk-ro road toward Ilsan, around 4:10 a.m. on April 27 of last year, while attempting to overtake the car in front of him.
At the time of the accident, NAM TAE HYUN’s blood alcohol level was reportedly at a level leading to license revocation (0.08% or more). He is also accused of speeding. He allegedly drove a car at 182 km/h, that is 102 km/h above the speed limit of 80 km/h on this road, when he caused the accident.
This is not the first time that NAM TAE HYUN has been brought to justice. In March 2023, while he was under investigation related to narcotics, he caused a drunk driving road accident and received a fine order of 6 million won. In 2024, he was also tried for violation of the Narcotics Control Act and was sentenced to one year in prison with two years of probation.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS NAM TAEHYUN
