Seoul court seeks prison term for Nam Tae-hyun over DUI and speeding
A Seoul court heard prosecutors seek a prison term for Nam Tae-hyun, a singer formerly with the K-pop group WINNER, on charges of drunk driving and speeding. The prosecution asked for a prison sentence of one year and six months and a fine of 1 million won.
The case was heard at the Seoul Western District Court in a single-judge criminal proceeding. Prosecutors argued that Nam committed a serious offense, noting his prior DUI record and the fact that the current incident occurred while he was under a suspended sentence related to a drug-related case.
Nam is accused of driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.122 percent and crashing into a center median near the Dongjak Bridge on the Hangang River’s southern side. Investigators also found that he was traveling at 182 kilometers per hour in a zone where the speed limit is 80 km/h.
Officials pointed out that Nam had an earlier drug-related conviction with a suspended sentence and that the DUI incident happened during that probationary period. He also faced a prior drunk-driving incident in March 2023 in Gangnam, where he was detected driving after drinking.
In his closing remarks, Nam apologized for his past actions, describing them as immature and driven by pressure and emotion, and pledged to change. He has not been convicted in this latest case at the time of the hearing.
The case highlights South Korea’s strict legal stance on drunk driving, including severe penalties for repeat offenses or offenses committed during probation. It also illustrates how legal troubles can affect a high-profile entertainer’s career and international reputation.
For U.S. readers, the episode underscores how celebrity accountability in South Korea can influence global fan engagement, endorsement opportunities, and international touring plans. As K-pop remains a major cultural export, cases like this can affect public perception, brand partnerships, and the ability of Korean artists to maintain schedules in major markets, including the United States.