Former WINNER Member Nam Tae-hyun Cancels Comeback Stage Amid Drug Scandal Backlash

Nam Tae-hyun, the former WINNER member and South Club frontman, has officially canceled his anticipated comeback performance amid ongoing fallout from his drug use controversy.

According to an exclusive May 4 report by Xports News, Nam Tae-hyun’s appearance at the K-pop Week in Hongdae showcase, originally scheduled for May 6, has been scrapped. The performance was meant to mark his return to the stage after a prolonged hiatus, during which he faced widespread criticism and scrutiny over drug-related allegations.

Nam had planned to debut a new song during the showcase, signaling his intent to resume his music career with a clean slate. However, rising public backlash and criticism regarding his return have ultimately led to the cancellation of his appearance.

Comedian Yoon Hyung-bin, the event organizer, previously addressed Nam’s participation during a press conference, stating, “We deliberated a lot over this decision. Nam Tae-hyun expressed a strong desire to return, and we hoped he could show his sincerity on stage. We believed this performance would be a chance to witness his heartfelt efforts.” Despite these intentions, the decision was made to withdraw him from the lineup.

K-pop Week in Hongdae is a month-long music festival that began on April 11 and runs through May 11, showcasing intimate performances at small venues across Seoul’s iconic Hongdae area. Promoted under the slogan “Closer, More Genuine,” the event has been praised for fostering genuine artist-fan interactions and offering a more personal alternative to stadium-scale K-pop events.

Nam Tae-hyun’s canceled comeback underscores the immense difficulty disgraced artists face when attempting to return to the spotlight in South Korea’s tightly scrutinized entertainment industry. With the public’s reaction remaining a powerful force, the road to redemption remains uncertain for the singer.