Nam Tae-hyun drunk driving allegations surfaced again this week as Seoul police confirmed a fresh investigation into the former idol singer. Officers booked the 31-year-old on charges of driving under the influence after a crash on April 27. The incident occurred near Dongjak Bridge at 4:10 a.m., when Nam struck a median while overtaking another car. Although no injuries were reported, his blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit for license cancellation. Nam Tae-hyun drunk driving charges have reignited criticism during his probation period.
At the time of the crash, Nam was serving a suspended sentence for previous drug offenses. In January 2023, a court handed him a one-year prison term with a two-year suspension for methamphetamine use. The conviction involved using 0.5 grams of meth mixed with alcohol alongside television personality Seo Min-jae in 2022. The case emerged after Seo posted online, prompting a police investigation into their drug use. Nam Tae-hyun drunk driving now threatens to violate the terms of his suspended sentence.
Police requested a detention warrant on May 2, citing concerns over his repeat offenses while on probation. However, a court denied the request during a pretrial hearing, stating there was no risk of evidence tampering. Authorities said they would complete their investigation before referring Nam to prosecutors without detention. His continued legal troubles have sparked public backlash, especially given his history of substance-related issues. Despite past apologies, public sentiment remains largely unforgiving.
Nam had planned a comeback performance on April 30 at a small music venue in Hongdae. However, he canceled the show on April 28, citing criticism and controversy surrounding the new incident. Earlier in March, he had posted an apology on social media, promising to reflect and repay fans through music. That message has since been deleted, possibly due to renewed legal scrutiny. Still, his agency confirmed that Nam plans to release a new album on Friday as scheduled.
In late 2023, Nam appeared at a National Assembly hearing as a witness on drug rehabilitation, drawing mixed reactions. At the time, he called for stronger support systems for recovering addicts in Korea. Critics now question his sincerity in advocating for reform while continuing to break the law. Nam Tae-hyun drunk driving adds another chapter to an already complicated legal history. As prosecutors prepare to review the case, his future in entertainment remains increasingly uncertain.
