“Living as an office worker and reflecting; give me one last chance” ... Nam Tae-hyun’s tearful plea as he faces a prison sentence

[Financial News]  Singer Nam Tae-hyun, 32, formerly of the idol group Winner, was sentenced to prison in the first trial after causing an accident while driving at excessive speed in a heavily intoxicated state during the suspended sentence period for a prison term related to drug use. He bowed his head and pleaded for leniency in court at his appeal hearing.
On the 22nd, the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 2-2 (Presiding Judge Jeong Seong-gyun) held the first hearing in Nam’s appeal. Nam appeared wearing black-rimmed glasses and a mask. His side admitted all the charges and evidence, but said it had appealed on the grounds that the first-trial sentence—one year in prison and a fine of 1 million won—was too harsh. Prosecutors, by contrast, asked the court to uphold the original sentence and dismiss Nam’s appeal.
In his closing argument, Nam’s lawyer said, “The defendant admitted to all of the offenses from the time he was caught and fully cooperated with the investigation, including taking a breathalyzer test and undergoing urine and hair tests.” The lawyer added, “We ask the court to take into account the specific circumstances of the case, including that his previous drunk-driving incident occurred when he moved an acquaintance’s car about five meters to get it out.”
The lawyer went on to say, “For the past year or so, the defendant has supported himself diligently as an ordinary office worker and spent time in sincere reflection, regularly volunteering at places such as community centers and libraries.” The lawyer added, “Please give the defendant, who regrets his mistakes and is striving to build a new life, one last chance.”
Nam also took out a closing statement he had prepared in advance and read it aloud in court, pleading for leniency. He began, “I deeply regret my dangerous and wrongful act of drunk driving, and I know well that I have no excuse.” He continued, “In the past, when things got difficult, I would give up on myself and try to run away, but I have now learned the hard way that I must not do that. I have completely given up alcohol and use only public transportation. I am changing my entire way of life by combining volunteer work with counseling. I will never again make a bad choice that puts another person’s life and safety at risk.”
Nam was indicted on charges of causing an accident on April 27 last year at around 4:10 a.m. near Dongjak Bridge on Seoul’s Gangbyeonbuk-ro in the direction of Ilsan New Town. He was allegedly driving at 182 km/h—more than twice the speed limit of 80 km/h—and crashed into the median barrier while overtaking the car in front. At the time he was caught, his blood alcohol concentration was found to be 0.122%, far above the license-revocation threshold of 0.08% or higher.
It was confirmed that Nam committed the offense while serving a two-year suspended sentence on a one-year prison term, handed down in January 2024 for violating the Narcotics Control Act. Earlier, in March 2023, while under investigation in a drug case, he caused a drunk-driving accident and received a summary order imposing a fine of 6 million won.
In April, the first-trial court sentenced him to one year in prison and a fine of 1 million won, saying, “Although the defendant confessed and is remorseful, he reoffended within 10 years of being fined for drunk driving, and the offense was committed while he was serving a suspended sentence for a prison term in a drug case, making him highly deserving of censure.” The court did not order his detention, however, finding no risk that he would flee or destroy evidence.
The appeal court concluded arguments that day. The verdict hearing in Nam’s second trial is scheduled for 10 a.m. on November 19.
[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter