Nam Taehyun, who became a company employee after a repeat drunk driving offense, said, "I found a job with great difficulty… I quit drinking" [Star Scene]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Singer Nam Taehyun, a former member of the group WINNER, who was sentenced to prison in the first instance on drunk driving charges, acknowledged his wrongdoing at the appellate trial while pleading for leniency from the court.

On the 22nd, Criminal Division 2-2 (Appeal) (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.

On this day, Nam Taehyun appeared in court with his lawyer, wearing a black top and bottom along with glasses. He told the court that his current occupation is a company employee.

In his final statement, Nam Taehyun said, "I committed the wrong act of drunk driving and I am reflecting on it. I know that this cannot be an excuse," bowing his head.

He then revealed, "After going through this incident, I looked back at my past. In the past, when difficult things happened, I would let myself go and try to escape in a wrong way, but now I have realized that I should not live like that."

Nam Taehyun also mentioned his changed life after the drunk driving accident. He stated, "Since then, I have found a job with difficulty and am fulfilling my role, I have completely quit drinking, and I am using public transportation."

He also emphasized, "I have been making efforts to change my life itself so as not to repeat the same mistake, while consistently continuing volunteer activities and counseling."

Furthermore, he vowed, "I will never let alcohol cloud my judgment again, and I will not threaten the lives and safety of others with my wrong choices."

Finally, Nam Taehyun pleaded for leniency from the court, saying, "I want to continue working within society and fulfill my responsibilities to my family. I earnestly ask you to look at the time I have spent reflecting and making efforts, and to choose [leniency]."

Previously, Nam Taehyun's lawyer also acknowledged all charges while arguing that the sentence in the original trial was too heavy. The lawyer stated, "The defendant admitted the charges from the moment he was caught for drunk driving and diligently cooperated with the investigation process, including breathalyzer tests and hair examinations."

He continued, "He is making efforts to live as a responsible member of society by spending time in self-reflection and doing volunteer activities," requesting, "Please look at the defendant's reflection and signs of change and give him one last chance."

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, determining that there was no risk of evidence destruction or flight, the court did not order his detention in court.

At the time, the court pointed out that he had a prior record of drunk driving and committed a new offense while on probation for violating the Narcotics Control Act, judging that severe punishment was necessary.

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

At the time, Nam Taehyun's blood alcohol concentration was 0.122%, exceeding the license revocation standard of 0.08%, and it was investigated that he was driving at 182 km/h on a road with a speed limit of 80 km/h. No casualties resulted from the accident.

Nam Taehyun also caused a drunk driving accident in March 2023 and received a summary order for a fine of 6 million won. Additionally, in 2024, he was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year suspension for violating the Narcotics Control Act.

Meanwhile, the sentencing date for Nam Taehyun's appellate trial has been set for 10:00 a.m. on November 19.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original