Idol To Criminal: One Of YG Entertainment’s Most Promising Idol’s Heartbreaking Fall From Grace

While debuting may be the most challenging part of an idol’s career, it rarely means that things are smooth sailing afterwards. In fact, despite reaching that goal, some end up dealing with issues that can be career-altering or even end their careers as they know them.

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One such idol’s post debut scandals, along with personal struggles, have unfortunately left him in a difficult position regarding his career.

In 2013, YG Entertainment’s survival show Win: Who Is Next decided the debut of the agency’s next boy group. Ultimately, the group known as Team A went on to debut as Winner, while Team B debuted as iKON the following year.

WINNER | Mnet

Winner, a five person group, saw a great deal of success, which made member Nam Taehyun’s departure all somewhat unexpected. Taehyun was the main vocalist of the group and was heavily involved in their song creation process as a lyricist, composer, and arranger.

Nam Taehyun | Pinterest

In 2017, he fulfilled his promise to return to music, debuting with the South Club and announcing the creation of his music label South Buyers Club. The band released music for several years, but seemed to slow activities after Taehyun’s drug use scandal.

Taehyun and reality star Seo Min Jae were accused of using methamphetamine in August 2022, with Taehyun being sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two in 2024. While awaiting the conclusion of this case, Taehyun was involved in a drunk driving incident, for which he was fined after hitting a taxi.

In 2023, Taehyun addressed the National Assembly, where he spoke about the need for more funding for drug treatment programs, sharing that he ended up in a rehabilitation facility. He also opened up about his mental health struggles, including depression, after previously sharing his bipolar disorder and anxiety diagnosis.

This appeared to be a turning point for the former boy group member, who released a documentary in December 2024 about his struggles before releasing “On the Edge of the Night” in January 2025.

Taehyun had planned to a public return with a performance in May 2025, however, this was cancelled due to protests against the idol connected to his April 27 DUI incident. He was accused of driving 100 kilometers above the speed limit with a blood alcohol level of 0.122, and recently admitted to the charge in court.

During his appearance, he shared that he was now an office worker.

There has not yet been a sentence delivered, in this case.

Hopefully, Taehyun is able to continue rehabilitation and lead a safe life, regardless of if it is in or out of the spotlight.