With those words, Nam Taehyun, former member of WINNER, reflected on one of K-pop’s most talked-about departures. In 2016, at the height of his idol fame, Nam shocked fans by exiting both the group and YG Entertainment. Nearly a decade later, he’s still explaining why.
Escaping the idol system
Nam debuted with WINNER under YG in 2014 and was quickly recognized for his vocal color and emotional songwriting. But the structure behind the scenes proved too rigid. “Even on my off days, I had a security guard and manager following me to the convenience store. It felt like I had no personal space.”
“I felt a sense of disconcertment because I felt that I was being treated too badly by a big agency. But they made me stronger, I don’t regret deciding to act solo. I will never regret it. My motto is that never regret once you have chosen something.“
Beyond the lifestyle constraints, Nam shared he had creative frustrations. “I was writing just to survive in a system — chasing viral hooks, not meaning.” This mechanical pressure drove him toward independence.
Founding South Club and embracing blues rock
After leaving YG, Nam formed the indie band South Club in 2017, venturing into blues rock — a genre far removed from K-pop polish. He described the style as “laughing while crying”, a reflection of his emotional and artistic rebirth. Tattoos of guitar chords and handwritten lyrics became part of his new identity.
Despite early struggles — from booking venues to losing media attention — Nam stayed the course. South Club released multiple EPs and performed live, often in small, intimate venues, far from his idol days.
A new chapter and a fall from grace
In January 2025, Nam made a solo comeback with the digital single “On the Edge of the Night,” along with a documentary about mental health and recovery from addiction. He seemed poised to re-enter the public eye with a matured message.
However, just months later, Nam was booked for a DUI offense while under a suspended sentence from earlier drug charges. The incident occurred on April 27, 2025, after a minor collision. His blood alcohol level exceeded legal limits, reigniting public criticism and resulting in the cancellation of his stage comeback in May’s K-pop Week.
The court denied an arrest warrant, but the case continues, with his future activities now uncertain.
Legal and personal turmoil: 2024–2025 scandals
In early 2024, Nam and his ex-girlfriend Seo Min‑jae (now Seo Eun‑woo) were sentenced to suspended prison terms for methamphetamine use dating back to 2022: Nam received a one-year sentence, suspended for two years; Seo got 10 months suspended for two years
In mid‑2024, Seo accused Nam of dating violence and threatening revenge pornography, claims he strongly denied, calling her posts “selectively blaming me and leaving out context.” He insisted they both apologized after suffering mutual emotional harm
Where Nam stands in 2025
Though his journey has been turbulent, Nam Taehyun remains one of the few idols to publicly challenge the system and rebuild on his terms. From idol to outcast, and from South Club’s frontman to a solo artist struggling for redemption, Nam’s story is not just about leaving YG — it’s about choosing selfhood over safety.
“I want to prove that you can fall, and still make music that means something.”
Whether or not the industry gives him another chance remains to be seen.
Sources: tfnews