Singer Nam Taehyun "It's Hard to Quit Drugs Alone... Government Support Must Increase"

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"Drugs Should Not Be Started"

Nam Taehyun (29), a former member of the idol group 'WINNER' who is currently undergoing rehabilitation after being indicted without detention on charges of methamphetamine use, appeared at the National Assembly audit on the 12th. He appealed for increased government support, saying, "Drug addiction cannot be overcome alone."

Nam appeared as a witness related to drug rehabilitation policies at the Health and Welfare Committee audit held at the National Assembly that afternoon.

Singer Nam Taehyun, a former member of the idol group 'WINNER,' appeared as a witness at the Health and Welfare Committee's national audit held at the National Assembly on the 12th, responding to lawmakers' questions.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Nam said, "At first, I tried to overcome drug addiction on my own, but it was very difficult," adding, "After deciding to quit drugs, I searched on YouTube for ways to quit and learned that there were facilities, which led me to come to this center." When Kang Sunwoo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, asked, "Do you feel that government support for drug rehabilitation or private rehabilitation facilities is sufficient?" he replied, "The support is very insufficient."

Nam explained, "After entering a rehabilitation facility, I realized that drug addiction is a serious problem, but government support is extremely lacking," adding, "Drug addiction requires 24-hour management and strict self-control, but it is a heavy burden for center directors to operate facilities at their own expense." He also said, "We receive daily calls from facilities saying 'Help us,' 'Save us' due to drug addiction, but we are unable to accommodate them," and appealed earnestly for government support, saying, "The reality we face is so desperate."

Nam also emphasized that drug use should never start in the first place.

He said, "I know many young people are curious about drugs, but what I can say is that you should never touch them even once," adding, "Drug addiction cannot be overcome alone, so I hope you will have the courage to ask for help."

Nam was active as a singer in the idol group WINNER from 2014 to 2016. After leaving WINNER, he formed a three-member band called South Club. In August, he was indicted without detention on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act and admitted to both purchasing and using methamphetamine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.