On January 18, the Seoul Central District Court reached a verdict in the much-publicized drug abuse case involving former WINNER member Nam Tae Hyun and his ex-girlfriend, Seo Eun Woo (formerly Seo Min Jae).
The pair faced charges of illicitly using methamphetamine and marijuana, with the legal proceedings spanning over a year.
Sentencing Details
The court issued suspended sentences to both Nam Tae Hyun and Seo Eun Woo. Nam Tae Hyun received a one-year sentence, suspended for two years, while Seo Eun Woo was handed a 10-month prison sentence, also suspended for two years.
In addition to the suspended sentences, the judge mandated 40 hours of drug rehabilitation for both individuals.
Singer #NamTaeHyun and broadcaster #SeoMinJae (#SeoEunWoo), who were accused of using Philopon, were sentenced to suspended prison sentences in the first trial.#남태현 #서민재 pic.twitter.com/4RoqqXzep1
— K-Drama Handle (@kdramahandle) January 18, 2024
Financial penalties were imposed as well, with Nam Tae Hyun fined ₩550,000 KRW (approximately $409 USD) and Seo Eun Woo fined ₩450,000 KRW (about $334 USD).
Reasoning Behind Suspended Sentences
The judge rationalized the decision to issue suspended sentences by pointing out that neither Nam Tae Hyun nor Seo Eun Woo had a criminal history. Despite the severity of the drug abuse charges, the judge considered the defendants' lack of prior criminal records.
The judge acknowledged Nam Tae Hyun's abuse of methamphetamine, a serious offense compounded by the simultaneous charge of marijuana abuse.
However, the decision took into account Nam Tae Hyun's clean record and his commitment to drug cessation and rehabilitation.
Similarly, Seo Eun Woo, who recently changed her name from Seo Min Jae, was identified as a first-time offender undergoing rehabilitation. The judge recognized her lack of a criminal record and her active participation in the rehabilitation process.
Conclusion of Year-Long Trial
The legal saga, which began in August 2022 when the duo was initially booked on drug charges, has finally come to a close.
Nam Tae Hyun, a former idol who debuted with WINNER in 2014, and Seo Eun Woo, an influencer known for her appearance on the dating show Heart Signal 3, can now put this chapter behind them as they embark on the path of rehabilitation.
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Written by Cassidy Jones.
