Former WINNER Member Nam Tae-hyun Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Drunk Driving

On April 9, the Seoul Western District Court sentenced former WINNER member Nam Tae-hyun to one year in prison and a fine of 1 million won (~$770 USD) for drunk driving and speeding. The court noted Nam committed these offenses while serving a suspended sentence for drug-related crimes and despite a prior DUI conviction.

Key Facts

• On April 27, 2023, Nam hit a median strip on Gangbyeonbuk-ro while traveling 182 km/h in an 80 km/h zone, skidding across four lanes.
• Nam's blood alcohol concentration was 0.122%, exceeding the 0.08% license revocation threshold.
• The incident occurred during a two-year probation period for methamphetamine use, for which he was sentenced in January 2024.
• This followed a separate March 2023 incident in Gangnam where Nam received a 6 million won (~$4,600 USD) fine for drunk driving.
• The prosecution originally sought 18 months in prison and a 1 million won (~$770 USD) fine.
• Though sentenced to prison, Nam was not placed under immediate court custody as the judge found no flight risk or danger of evidence destruction.

Key Terms

• Summary Order: A court decision rendered without a full trial, typically resulting in a fine.
• Probation Period: A duration during which a prison sentence is suspended, contingent on law-abiding behavior.
• License Revocation Standard: In South Korea, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher results in immediate license cancellation.

Key Quote

“I was lucky to gain popularity, fame, and economic rewards at a young age, but my inner self was not prepared. I know that my past actions cannot be tolerated.” — Nam Tae-hyun

Next

• Nam Tae-hyun will serve his one-year sentence unless an appeal is filed.
• The decision to omit immediate custody allows him to remain free until the sentence is finalized or further legal steps are taken.