Former WINNER singer Nam Tae-hyun appeals prison sentence for drunk driving

Nam Tae-hyun appealed his one-year prison sentence at the Seoul Western District Court on the 22nd, stating he has quit drinking and is working as an office worker. The appeal follows a first-instance conviction for a repeat drunk driving offense involving excessive speeding near Dongjak Bridge.

Nam Tae-hyun, a singer formerly of the group WINNER, has appealed his first-instance prison sentence for a repeat drunk driving offense, pleading for leniency by stating he has quit drinking and is maintaining steady employment. While he has admitted to his past wrongdoings and claimed to have changed his lifestyle, attention is focused on how the court will rule, given his history of drunk driving and the fact that excessive speeding was also revealed.

On the 22nd, the 2-2 Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court held the first appeal hearing for Nam Tae-hyun, who was indicted on charges including violations of the Road Traffic Act. Appearing in court with his legal counsel wearing black clothing and glasses, Nam stated that his current occupation is an office worker. He emphasized that, unlike his past as a singer performing before the public, he is currently reflecting on his actions through corporate life.

In his final statement, Nam admitted his wrongdoing, saying, "I committed the wrong act of drunk driving and I am reflecting on it. I know this can never be an excuse." He continued, "Experiencing this made me look back at my past. In the past, when difficult things happened, I would let myself go and try to escape in the wrong way, but I have now realized that I must not live like that." He clarified that personal difficulties cannot justify his mistakes while reflecting on his former attitude toward life.

He also revealed how his daily life has changed since the drunk driving accident. Nam stated, "Since then, I have worked hard to find a job and am fulfilling my role, I have completely quit alcohol, and I am using public transportation." He explained that he has been consistently engaging in volunteer work and counseling, attempting to change his very lifestyle to ensure he does not repeat the same mistake.

He continued his plea to the court, vowing, "I will not let alcohol cloud my judgment again, and I will not threaten the lives and safety of others with my wrong choices." He requested leniency, asking the court to consider the time he has spent reflecting and working, adding, "I want to continue working within society and fulfill my responsibilities to my family." His intent is to show that he has realized the dangers of drunk driving and intends to live responsibly as a member of society.

His legal counsel also admitted to all charges but argued that the sentence handed down in the first instance was too heavy. The lawyer explained that Nam had admitted to the charges since the initial detection of the drunk driving and had cooperated sincerely during the investigation, including breathalyzer and hair tests. Furthermore, the counsel requested a final chance from the court, noting that Nam is striving to live as a responsible member of society, such as by participating in volunteer work during his period of reflection.

Previously, the 11th Single Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court found Nam guilty of violating the Road Traffic Act and other charges, sentencing him to one year in prison and a fine of 1 million won. However, the court did not order immediate detention as it determined there was no risk of destroying evidence or fleeing. At that time, the court judged that strict punishment was necessary, considering that he had committed the crime again while already under a suspended sentence for violating the Narcotics Control Act and having a prior drunk driving record.

This case is receiving even more scrutiny due to the dangerous speed and blood alcohol concentration at the time of driving. Nam is accused of causing an accident while driving under the influence near Dongjak Bridge in the direction of Ilsan on the Gangbyeonbuk-ro in Seoul at approximately 4:10 a.m. on April 27 last year. His blood alcohol concentration at the time was 0.122%, significantly exceeding the 0.08% threshold for license revocation. He was investigated to have been driving at 182 km/h on a road with a speed limit of 80 km/h; fortunately, no injuries occurred.

This is not Nam Tae-hyun's first drunk driving incident. In March 2023, he received a summary order to pay a fine of 6 million won for a drunk driving accident. In 2024, he was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year stay of execution for violating the Narcotics Control Act. The fact that he engaged in such dangerous driving after already being punished for drunk driving served as the background for the strict judgment in the first instance.

As Nam Tae-hyun emphasizes in his appeal that he has quit drinking and is continuing his work and volunteer activities, attention is focused on how the court will reflect this remorse and change in lifestyle when determining the sentence. However, since efforts for reflection and rehabilitation must be evaluated separately from responsibility for past crimes, the decision on leniency rests with the court. The sentencing for Nam Tae-hyun's appeal is scheduled for November 19 at 10:00 a.m.

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