Nam Taehyun, former WINNER member, appeals one-year prison sentence for drunk driving at '182 km/h' speed: "Please give me a last chance"

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Nam Taehyun, a singer from the group WINNER who was sentenced to imprisonment in the first instance on drunk driving charges, acknowledged the charges at the appellate trial but argued that the sentence was too heavy.

On the 22nd, Criminal Division 2-2 (Appeals) (B) of the Seoul Western District Court held the first appellate hearing for Nam Taehyun, who was indicted on charges including violation of the Road Traffic Act.

Nam Taehyun appeared in court with his lawyer that day, wearing a black top and bottom along with glasses. He told the court that he is currently employed as an office worker.

Nam Taehyun's side acknowledged all the charges but appealed for leniency, arguing that the first-instance sentence was too heavy.

Nam Taehyun's lawyer stated, "As detailed in the appellant's brief, the defendant has acknowledged the fact of drunk driving since the moment he was caught and has cooperated diligently throughout the investigation process, including breathalyzer tests and hair follicle examinations."

Regarding his past record of drunk driving, the lawyer explained, "It occurred while I was moving my own vehicle approximately 5 meters to allow a friend's car to pull out," adding, "We ask that you consider the specific circumstances of how it happened."

The lawyer also emphasized that Nam Taehyun is currently living as an office worker. "The defendant has been living as an ordinary office worker for the past year, taking responsibility for his livelihood," the lawyer said. "Even while working, he has been volunteering at community centers and other places, striving to live as a responsible member of society."

Furthermore, the lawyer requested leniency from the court, stating, "Given that he is taking time for self-reflection, we ask that you observe his remorse and change and grant him a final opportunity."

Previously, Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Western District Court found Nam Taehyun guilty on all charges, including violation of the Road Traffic Act, and sentenced him to one year in prison and a fine of 1 million won. However, the court did not order immediate detention, determining that there was no risk of evidence destruction or flight.

At the time, the court stated, "All charges are found to be guilty," noting, "Although he has confessed and shown remorse, his prior record of drunk driving and the fact that he committed another offense while on probation for a violation of the Narcotics Control Act make him highly blameworthy."

The court further ruled, "Considering that his blood alcohol concentration was high, and that he caused an accident by striking a curb and retaining wall while driving at a speed exceeding the limit in an 80 km/h zone, posing a high risk to road traffic, severe punishment is necessary."

Previously, the Prosecution Service had sought a one-year and six-month prison sentence and a fine of 1 million won for Nam Taehyun, citing his prior record of drunk driving, high blood alcohol concentration, and recidivism during a probation period. Subsequently, Nam Taehyun filed an appeal against the first-instance verdict.

Nam Taehyun is suspected of causing an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol around 4:10 a.m. on April 27 last year, near the Dongjak Bridge in the Ilsan direction of the Gangbyeonbuk-ro highway in Seoul.

At the time, Nam Taehyun attempted to overtake a vehicle ahead and struck road infrastructure, but no casualties occurred. However, his blood alcohol concentration was confirmed at 0.122%, exceeding the 0.08% threshold for license revocation. Notably, investigations revealed that he was driving at 182 km/h on a road with a speed limit of 80 km/h.

Nam Taehyun also received a summary order for a fine of 6 million won in March 2023 after causing a drunk driving accident while under investigation for drug-related offenses.

In addition, he was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year suspended sentence in 2024 on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act. He was subsequently prosecuted after causing another drunk driving accident during his probation period.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original