"Life Ruined by Drugs... All That's Left Are Debts and Collection Texts" Confession of a Fallen Top Star

Singer Nam Taehyun, Former Member of Idol Group 'WINNER'
Under Investigation for Drug Use Allegations

Nam Taehyun, a singer formerly of the group WINNER, is set to confess his feelings about his drug addiction on a broadcast.

On the night of the 14th, KBS1's 'Chujeok 60 Bun' (Tracking 60 Minutes) will focus on the issue of drugs under the theme "Telegram Drug Rooms Target Teenagers." This broadcast will feature an interview with Nam Taehyun, who is currently undergoing treatment at a drug addiction recovery and rehabilitation center, and will reveal the detailed process leading to his drug addiction.

On May 5th, Nam Taehyun, a former idol singer accused of methamphetamine use, appeared at the pre-trial detention hearing at the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo-gu. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Nam Taehyun debuted in 2014 as a member of the popular idol group WINNER. However, he shocked the public when he was booked by the police in August last year on charges of methamphetamine use. He was later handed over to the prosecution and is currently under investigation for drug use.

Singer Nam Taehyun, former member of the group WINNER [Image source=KBS]

According to the broadcast, Nam Taehyun encountered diet pills and sleeping pills during his entertainment career. While the sleeping pills were prescribed by a psychiatrist, he claimed that the abuse of medical drugs opened the gateway to drugs.

The producers of 'Chujeok 60 Bun' see Nam Taehyun's case as indicative of the recent abuse of so-called "ADHD medication," known among teenagers as drugs to enhance concentration.

ADHD medication is typically prescribed to patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and works by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters to improve symptoms.

However, controversy arose as some students mistakenly took these drugs as "medication to boost concentration and improve study efficiency." Earlier in April, an incident occurred in the Gangnam academy district of Seoul where narcotics were disguised as "ADHD medication" and given to students.

Meanwhile, after using drugs, Nam Taehyun suffered from financial hardship. He revealed that he currently has about 500 million won in debt and overdue credit card bills, and that he has to put up for sale not only his own house but also his parents' house.

Nam Taehyun plans to work part-time at a restaurant to repay his debts and reportedly sold all his possessions except for one cherished guitar. The production team also reported that he received text messages demanding overdue payments even during the interview.

Nam Taehyun advised teenagers, saying, "I hope you don't even take an interest in drugs," and added, "It is an action that utterly destroys your life."