'Drugged on probation, drunk driving' Nam Taehyun pleads for leniency: "Quit drinking, starting new life as office worker" [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Singer Nam Taehyun, a former member of the group WINNER, was sentenced to imprisonment in the first instance for a repeat drunk driving offense. In the appeal trial, he acknowledged his wrongdoing while pleading for leniency. He emphasized that he is currently living as an office worker and reflecting on his actions after causing another drunk driving accident during the period when he was on probation for a drug case.

The Criminal Appeals Division 2 of the Seoul Western District Court held the first appeal trial hearing for Nam, who was indicted on charges including violation of the Road Traffic Act, on the 22nd and concluded the debate.

On this day, Nam Taehyun appeared in court with his lawyer, wearing a black top and bottom along with glasses. He informed the court that he is currently an office worker. While admitting to all charges, he conveyed his position that the sentence from the first instance was too heavy.

Nam Taehyun's lawyer stated, "The defendant admitted to the charges from the time of being caught for drunk driving and diligently cooperated with the investigation process, including breathalyzer tests and hair testing."

The lawyer continued, "For the past year, the defendant has been living as an ordinary office worker, taking responsibility for his livelihood," emphasizing that he is also striving to live as a responsible member of society by engaging in volunteer activities at community centers while working.

In particular, regarding Nam Taehyun's previous drunk driving record, the lawyer stated, "It occurred while moving his own vehicle approximately 5 meters to allow an acquaintance's car to pull out," requesting that the specific circumstances be taken into consideration.

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

He continued, "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," adding, "Since then, I have found a job with difficulty and am fulfilling my role. I have completely quit drinking and use public transportation." He also added that he is consistently continuing volunteer activities and counseling.

Furthermore, he pleaded for leniency, saying, "I will never let alcohol cloud my judgment again, nor will I threaten the lives and safety of others with my wrong choices," adding, "I want to continue working in society and fulfill my responsibilities to my family."

Previously, Nam Taehyun was indicted on charges of causing an accident while driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol near the Dongjak Bridge in the Ilsan direction on the Seoul Han River Expressway around 4:10 a.m. on April 27 last year.

At the time, Nam Taehyun attempted to overtake a vehicle ahead and hit road facilities. No casualties occurred, but his blood alcohol concentration was confirmed to be 0.122%, exceeding the license revocation standard of 0.08%.

In particular, it was investigated that he was driving at 182 km/h on a road with a speed limit of 80 km/h, causing shock. This means he exceeded the speed limit by as much as 102 km/h.

Moreover, this was not Nam Taehyun's first drunk driving offense. He had 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. Subsequently, he was indicted after causing another drunk driving accident during his probation period.

In response, the Prosecution Service requested a sentence of one year and six months in prison and a fine of 1 million won, citing Nam Taehyun's prior drunk driving record, high blood alcohol concentration, and the fact that he reoffended during his probation period.

The first-instance court also found all of Nam Taehyun's charges to be guilty and sentenced him to one year in prison and a fine of 1 million won. However, it did not order detention in court, determining there was no concern about evidence destruction or flight risk.

At the time, the court pointed out, "Although he confessed and is reflecting, given his prior drunk driving record and the fact that he committed another offense while on probation for violating the Narcotics Control Act, the possibility of condemnation is high."

It continued, "His blood alcohol concentration was high, and he caused an accident by hitting a curb and retaining wall while driving over the speed limit in an 80 km/h zone, resulting in high road traffic danger. Taking these into account comprehensively, severe punishment is necessary."

Subsequently, Nam Taehyun appealed against the first-instance judgment. In the appeal trial, he emphasized his changed life compared to the past and pleaded for a last chance. Attention is now on what decision the court will make.

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

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original