Nam Taehyun Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison for Drunk Driving During Probation for Drug Offense

Charged with Violating Road Traffic Act; Arrest Warrant Dismissed
Crashed into Median Barrier While Speeding at 182 km/h

Singer Nam Taehyun (31), a former member of the idol group WINNER, was sentenced to prison in his first trial after causing a car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol during the probation period for a previous drug use case.

On April 9, Judge Yang Eunsang of the 11th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court sentenced Nam, who had been indicted without detention on charges of drunk driving and speeding under the Road Traffic Act, to one year in prison and a fine of 1 million won.

Singer Nam Taehyun, former member of the idol group 'WINNER'. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Judge Yang stated, "Although the defendant has confessed to his crime and is showing remorse, he has a previous conviction for driving under the influence and has committed the same offense again." The judge continued, "In particular, committing the offense during the probation period for a violation of the Narcotics Control Act warrants strong criticism." He added, "The defendant's blood alcohol level was high, and the accident was extremely dangerous as he exceeded the speed limit, striking both a curb and a retaining wall."

Nam was brought to trial for driving under the influence and causing an accident at around 4:10 a.m. on April 27 last year, near Dongjak Bridge on the Gangbyeonbuk-ro in the direction of Ilsan, Seoul. He crashed into the central divider and other structures, but there were no casualties. At the time, Nam's blood alcohol concentration was 0.122%, exceeding the license revocation threshold of 0.08%. He was also charged with speeding, as he drove at 182 km/h in an 80 km/h speed limit zone.

The court did not order detention, judging that there was no risk of evidence destruction or flight.

At the sentencing hearing on March 12, the prosecution had requested a sentence of one year and six months in prison and a fine of 1 million won. If Nam wishes to contest the verdict, he may appeal within seven days. His side has not yet stated whether they will appeal.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.