The singer, who was removed from the group in August 2024 after their label confirmed that he had been connected to the criminal case, will serve three-and-a-half years in prison
Taeil, the singer who previously performed in the K-pop group NCT and its sub-units NCT U and NCT 127, has been found guilty of rape in Seoul, South Korea. The 31-year-old has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for sexually assaulting an intoxicated tourist in June 2024 with two other men, according to The Korea Times.
Taeil, born Moon Tae-il, was removed from the group in August 2024 after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced. “We have recently confirmed that Taeil has been implicated in a criminal case related to sexual crimes,” SM Entertainment said at the time. “While looking into the situation, we recognized that the issue is very serious, and we have decided that Taeil could no longer continue team activities.”
The label shared that Taeil would be “faithfully cooperating with the police investigation” and apolgized “for the controversy caused by our artist.” Per BBC, investigations revealed that Taeil and the two other men, Lee and Hong, encountered their victim at a bar in Seoul. Reports note that she became “heavily intoxicated” and traveled with them to Lee’s home, where she was then assaulted while unconscious in what South Korean law describes as a “quasi rape.” They each pleaded guilty in June.
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Taeil and the two men were all given the same sentence and have already been taken into custody. According to BBC, prosecutors suggested they receive a seven-year sentence. The judge presiding over the case granted them half the time on the basis of them being first offenders. Additionally, they will be required to completed 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.
NCT has not released new music since removing Taeil.
