Former WINNER Member Nam Taehyun to Return to Stage After Drug Scandal, Announces May Performance
Nam Taehyun, formerly of the K-pop group WINNER, is set to make his stage comeback following a series of legal and personal controversies, including a high-profile drug scandal. The singer will perform at ‘K-pop Week in Hongdae’ on May 6, 2025, at West Bridge Live Hall in Seoul, marking his first live appearance since his suspended sentence for methamphetamine use and related legal issues.
First Performance Since Drug and Legal Scandals
Nam Taehyun debuted with WINNER under YG Entertainment in 2014, quickly rising to fame for his vocal and songwriting talents. He departed the group in 2016 due to health reasons and later formed the band South Club. In 2022, Taehyun and his then-girlfriend Seo Eunwoo (formerly Seo Minjae) were indicted for purchasing and using methamphetamine together, and he was also charged for using the drug alone later that year. The court handed him a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with mandatory drug rehabilitation and a fine. Following the verdict, Taehyun entered rehab and publicly acknowledged his struggles with addiction, vowing to recover and use his experience to help others.
The scandal also included public accusations from Seo Eunwoo of propofol use and assault, as well as a public dispute over dating violence and revenge porn allegations. Both sides presented conflicting accounts and evidence, drawing significant media attention.
Nam Taehyun’s Statement: “I’m Returning Thanks to Your Support”
Ahead of his return, Nam Taehyun addressed fans, saying, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to greet you with concert news. A lot has happened, but as an artist who loves music and as someone who has grown, I want to return to my place. Thanks to the love and support from precious people, I found the courage to sing again. I won’t forget these feelings and will work even harder to show an honest and passionate performance to everyone who comes.”
‘K-pop Week in Hongdae’: A New Start for Nam Taehyun
‘K-pop Week in Hongdae’ is a festival designed to connect artists and fans through intimate live performances in Seoul’s indie music hub. Taehyun joins a diverse lineup as part of an effort to revitalize Hongdae as a center for live music and K-pop. Organizers noted that, despite his past controversies, Taehyun has shown sincerity and a commitment to self-reflection and recovery, leading to his inclusion in the lineup.
Nam Taehyun’s comeback is drawing attention as both a test of public sentiment and a step toward personal redemption. Fans and industry watchers alike will be watching his performance closely as he seeks to move forward from his troubled past.
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