The Devastating End Of Former WINNER Star Nam Taehyun's Career

Former WINNER member Nam Taehyun has officially been sentenced to one year in actual prison time after a shocking drunk driving crash near Dongjak Bridge, where he was clocked speeding at a terrifying 182 km/h with a blood alcohol level more than double the legal limit. The Seoul Western District Court's ruling on April 9, 2026 closes the door on what fans had hoped would be his redemption arc following his 2024 drug conviction. From his promising debut under YG Entertainment with WINNER, to his public battle with bipolar disorder, the 2019 cheating scandal with Jang Jane, the 2022 illicit substance arrest with Seo Min Jae, the nearly $400,000 in debt, and his emotional public comeback that suddenly came crashing down, Taehyun's story has become one of K-pop's most heartbreaking falls from grace. We break down exactly what led to this devastating sentence and what happens next with his appeal. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more K-pop news, scandals, and updates from Kookielit! #kpop #kpopnews #KOOKIELIT