After Getting Caught in a Drug Case, Nam Taehyun Formerly of WINNER Arrested Again by Police Due to DUI

Kapanlagi.com - Nam Taehyun, a former member of the boy group WINNER from YG Entertainment, is once again under police custody after driving while intoxicated (DUI). This incident reportedly occurred while he was still on probation due to a previous drug abuse case.

The DUI incident has forced Nam Taehyun to cancel his promised comeback plans. The schedules included a performance at a small theater in Hongdae on May 6, 2025, and an album launch three days later, specifically on May 9, 2025.

Previously, Nam Taehyun expressed his regret through social media in March, which he later deleted. The post read, "I spend every day with sincere reflection. The only way I can repay those who have waited for me is through music that brings comfort, not controversy."

1. Latest DUI Case Chronology of Nam Taehyun

Nam Taehyun of former WINNER was arrested due to a DUI case. (credit: instagram.com/souththth)

According to The Korea Times, the Yongsan Police in Seoul stated that Nam Taehyun was arrested on suspicion of violating the Traffic Law, which resulted in an accident due to driving under the influence of alcohol. On April 27, 2025, at around 4:10 AM local time, he reportedly crashed into the median while attempting to overtake another vehicle near the Dongjak Bridge, on the Gangbyeonbuk-ro route towards Ilsan.

There were no casualties or injuries in the incident. Nam Taehyun was apprehended by police who rushed to chase him for further examination to investigate his blood alcohol level.

2. High Alcohol Level

Nam Taehyun of WINNER has been detained due to a DUI case. (credit: instagram.com/souththth)

Police investigation results showed that the alcohol level in Nam Taehyun's blood reached 0.08%. This constitutes a violation of traffic regulations, leading him to face the reality of losing his driving license in South Korea for exceeding the safe limit.

Unfortunately, Nam Taehyun stumbled into a DUI case during his two-year probation period after being convicted for methamphetamine (fitopin) abuse and sentenced to prison in 2023. The police also proposed the issuance of a detention order on May 2, 2025, for this reason. However, the court rejected the request as it was deemed there was no risk of evidence tampering.

3. Controversy Surrounding Nam Taehyun

Nam Taehyun, formerly of WINNER, was detained due to a DUI case. (credit: Ko Youngkwon via The Korean Times)

Nam Taehyun is no stranger to K-Pop fans. His name is often associated with various controversies that have impacted his career in the South Korean entertainment industry, one of which was when he was found guilty of abusing 0.5 grams of methamphetamine mixed with alcohol along with TV star Seo Minjae in 2022. This case came to light and was investigated by the police after a friend shared information about drug use on social media.

The former WINNER member also previously faced a driving under influence (DUI) case in March 2023 while under investigation for drug allegations. For the accident, he was fined 6 million won. Amid police scrutiny, Nam Taehyun was appointed as a witness to speak about drug rehabilitation at the National Assembly of South Korea.

(kpl/rtr)