Nam Tae Hyun recently highlighted the critical need for governmental support in drug rehabilitation and shared his personal struggle with drug addiction.
Former idol singer Nam Tae Hyun (age 29), who has been sent to trial on charges of using methamphetamine, stated that drug addiction cannot be overcome alone and called for increased government support.
On October 12, Nam Tae Hyun attended the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee parliamentary audit as a witness and emphasized the importance of rehabilitation, saying, "It's difficult for (drug addicts) to quit on their own."
Nam introduced himself, saying, "I started using marijuana when I felt that I had reached the end while taking psychiatric drugs due to severe depression, and eventually, I came into contact with methamphetamine. Currently, I am staying at a drug addiction rehabilitation facility called 'Incheon DARC."
At the Incheon DARC, where he resides full-time, Nam Tae Hyun participates in regular counseling sessions alongside other patients, sharing his journey into addiction and recovery. A program he holds in high regard is the Narcotics Anonymous or NA program, which he indicates plays a significant role in his recovery process.
Nam Tae Hyun pointed out, "The drug addiction problem is serious, but most of the centers are operated with the center director's own funds, and government support is severely lacking."
He further conveyed the situation on-site, saying, "Due to drug addiction, our center receives calls every day asking for help and to be saved, but we are in a state where we cannot accommodate them."
He emphasized, "Drug addiction isn't something you can cure by merely visiting a hospital. The need for a comprehensive, 24-hour supervised rehabilitation therapy is critical." He urgently requested the government step in to provide more support.
Nam Tae Hyun also strongly discouraged any form of drug use. He said, "I understand that many young individuals are curious about drugs, but I advise you never to touch them." He added, "Drug addiction cannot be overcome alone, so I hope you have the courage to ask for help."
Nam Tae Hyun was active as a singer in the idol group WINNER from 2014 to 2016. After leaving WINNER, he formed a band called South Club.
In August, he was charged with violating the Act on the Management of Narcotics, and during the investigation, he admitted to the charges of using methamphetamine and voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility.
Despite Nam Tae Hyun's valid argument, many Korean netizens are arguing his claim. They commented, "You're asking for support when it has to do with personal willpower? Why suggest pouring more public funds into alcohol, tobacco, and gambling? I guarantee you, after a few years, you'll become a weak person again," "The government didn't push them to do drugs," "He must be kidding," "lols, Why not just avoid drugs from the beginning? What support? Introverts and outsiders like me, support us. They say over 4% of the population is currently addicted, but the government doesn't seem to care. There are no support measures in place," and "Why do they want us to clean up after them using our tax money?"
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