Singer Nam Tae-hyun, who was given a suspended sentence for drug use, has been referred to trial for a drunk driving accident that occurred during that period, and the first-instance verdict will be handed down today (the 9th).
On the 9th at 2 p.m., Judge Heo Jun-seo, presiding over Criminal Division 11 at Seoul Western District Court, will hold a sentencing hearing for Nam Tae-hyun, who has been indicted on charges including violation of the Road Traffic Act.
Nam Tae-hyun is accused of earlier attempting to overtake a vehicle near Dongjak-daero toward Ilsan on the Gangbyeonbuk-ro on April 27 last year and colliding with the center divider. There were no casualties, and Nam Tae-hyun's blood alcohol concentration at the time was reported to have been at or above 0.08%, the level for license revocation.
In addition, Nam Tae-hyun was serving a suspended sentence at the time for drug use. The new controversy added to the public's disappointment.
At the hearing held on the 12th of last month, the prosecution said the nature of the offense was bad due to speeding, being caught during the suspended sentence period, and reoffending within two years, and sought a prison term of 1 year and 6 months and a fine of 1,000,000 won for Nam Tae-hyun.
Nam Tae-hyun's defense lawyer appealed for leniency, saying, "He fully confessed to his crimes and cooperated sincerely with the investigation," and "He went through such difficult times that he was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward under social stigma. He is now working as an office worker and is trying to live as a sincere, ordinary citizen. Please give him one last chance."
In his final statement, Nam Tae-hyun also said, "I lived under pressure in an environment different from ordinary life, and in that process I wrapped immaturity, shortcomings and folly in inspiration and depression," and "I was lucky to gain popularity, honor and financial rewards, but my inner self was not prepared."
He went on to say, "I was stupid and foolish," and "I know well that past wrongdoing cannot be tolerated. I will change myself so that the same thing does not happen again."
Meanwhile, this is Nam Tae-hyun's second drunk driving incident; he was caught on drunk driving charges in 2023 and received a summary order fine of 600,000 won.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]