Former YG Idol Reveals Having 500M KRW Debt Due to Illegal Drugs
Once a popular K-pop idol, this singer opened up about his 500 million KRW debt after illegal drug use, which also led him to sell everything he owned including his and his parents' houses.
Nam Tae Hyun Talks About His Drug Addiction
After remaining silent for about a year, former WINNER Nam Tae Hyun opened up about his drug scandal for the first time in a broadcast.
On July 14, the idol-turned-rock band member is set to appear in KBS 1TV's "In Depth 60 Minutes" to discuss the topic of the increasing number of underage drug offenders in South Korea.
In particular, Nam was one of the unfortunate victims of illegal drugs, and he was sent to the prosecution in August 2022 due to allegations of Philopon use. The investigation is ongoing without detention on charges of taking illegal drugs.
READ ALSO: Where Is Nam Taehyun Now? Learn About Former WINNER Member's Current Whereabouts
Right now, Nam Tae Hyun is also having his treatment at a drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation center.
Although he was reluctant to appear in the interview, the former idol shared his story nonetheless, and cited that he encountered drugs while in the entertainment industry. He revealed taking diet pills, which are narcotics, as well as sleeping pills because of insomnia.
Prior to his withdrawal from WINNER and YG Entertainment, it was known among fans that Nam suffers from mental health issues: thus, these drugs were initially taken under psychiatric prescriptions.
However, medical substance abuse opened the way to his drug addiction, just like the phenomenon of teenagers abusing "diet drugs" and "ADHD drugs," known for enhancing academic performance.
Aftermath of Nam Tae Hyun's Illegal Drug Use
RELATED ARTICLE: WINNER's Nam Tae Hyun to Take Time Off Due to Mental Health, Group's Comeback Delayed
Blinded by the temporary effect of drugs, Nam Tae Hyun lost everything he had, leaving him instead 500 million KRW (about 396k USD) in debt and overdue card bills.
As a result, he had to give up not only his house but also his parents'.
"I sold everything I had except one guitar that I cherished."
Even during the interview, Nam continuued to receive messages reminding him of his overdue bills.
Because of this, Nam, after rehab, also plans to work part-time at a restaurant to slowly pay off his debts.
As the preview ended, Nam Tae Hyun shared his realization after everything he experienced so far.
"When I thought, 'I'm not confident in living anymore,' I knocked on the door of the rehabilitation center with a desperate feeling."
Nam Tae Hyun said he had something to say to teenagers:
"I don't want teenagers to even be interested in drugs. Life itself is a disastrous act."
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