Former NCT member Taeil has reportedly been indicted for the alleged sexual assault of a women with two other men.
In late August, SM Entertainment announced that Taeil had departed K-pop boyband NCT after the agency learned he had been “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offense”. While it did not disclose any details, the agency said that it “determined that Taeil can no longer continue his activities with NCT” due to the severity of the situation.
Yesterday (October 7), Chosun Ilbo reported that the K-pop singer has been indicted for the alleged sexual assault of a drunk woman alongside two other non-celebrity men. He is currently being investigated on the charge of special quasi-rape.
Under South Korean law, the charge of “quasi-rape” refers to sexual assault committed while armed with a weapon or with two or more people acting in concert against a victim in a vulnerable state. This includes being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Taeil could be sentenced to over seven years, or even life in prison, if found guilty.
In response to Monday’s reports, SM Entertainment said that it is “difficult to comment as the matter is currently under investigation” in a statement to OSEN.
Taeil made his debut in 2016 as a member of NCT in its rotational subunit NCT U. He later became a part of the fixed subunit NCT 127. Their last release had been their July 2024 studio album ‘Walk’, led by the title track of the same name.
For more help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.