The final verdict is not out yet.
5 minutes ago
Prosecutors have requested a prison sentence for former WINNER member Nam Taehyun after he was caught drunk driving during his probation period.
On March 12, during the final hearing held at the Seoul Western District Court, prosecutors sought one year and six months in prison and a fine of ₩1.00 million KRW (about $677 USD) for Nam, who was indicted on charges including violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving).
“The nature of the crime is serious considering that Nam Taehyun is a repeat offender of a similar crime and that the drunk driving was discovered during his probation period.”
Nam’s legal representative argued for leniency, saying, “Nam Taehyun fully confessed to his actions and cooperated sincerely throughout the investigation.” The lawyer added that although there was no evidence related to drug offenses in this case, Nam voluntarily submitted urine and hair samples to investigators, complying with what they described as an unusually thorough investigation.
The defense also stated that Nam had faced such intense public criticism due to the social stigma from his actions that it had become difficult for him to even go outside. They added that he is currently working as a company employee and trying to live as a sincere and ordinary citizen, asking the court to grant him one final opportunity.
Nam gave one final statement.
“I was fortunate to gain popularity, fame, and financial rewards at a young age, but I was not internally prepared. I know my past actions are inexcusable, and I will make sure the same thing never happens again.”
Nam is accused of crashing into a central divider while attempting to overtake another vehicle near Dongjak Bridge on the Gangbyeonbuk-ro highway toward Ilsan at around 4.10am. on April 27 last year. No one was injured in the incident, but his blood alcohol concentration was at the level that warrants license revocation (0.08%).
Previously, in January last year, Nam was sentenced to one year in prison with two years of probation for violating the Narcotics Control Act. After the drunk driving incident, police requested an arrest warrant, noting that Nam was already on probation. However, the court rejected the request during the warrant review, stating that there were insufficient grounds for detention.
Nam had also been fined ₩6.00 million KRW (about $4,060 USD) in March 2023 after causing another drunk driving accident during a drug investigation. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on April 9.