By Olivia Harrison
Staff Writer
Content Warning: This article covers topics of sexual offenses as well as sexual assault on a minor. Reader discretion is advised.
South Korean singer and K-pop star Taeil has left K-pop band NCT after allegations of his involvement in several sexual crimes surfaced. The allegations came to light on Aug. 28 after NCT’s label, SM Entertainment, released a statement on X.
“We have recently learned that TAEIL has been accused of a criminal case related to a sexual offense,” the statement said.
Taeil, whose real name is Moon Tae-Il, was part of the supergroup NCT and is most well known for his involvement in the subunit NCT 127. The allegations come to light two months after other NCT 127 members, Johnny and Haechan, were accused of prostitution and drug usage.
According to the Seoul Bangbae police, the allegations first surfaced in June when a Korean citizen filed a police report against Taeil, alleging that he sexually assaulted her. Between June and mid-August, Taeil participated in other events for NCT, before SM Entertainment withdrew him from the boy band. In addition, as of Aug. 29, Taeil was booked and taken into police custody for questioning.
“We recognized the seriousness of the issue, and we have decided that Taeil can no longer continue team activities,” the label said in a statement on X. “We have discussed this matter with Taeil, and it has been decided that he will leave the group.”
In addition, SM Entertainment confirmed that Taeil was cooperating with law enforcement and the investigation. Currently, there are no details about the events between Taeil and the accuser. However, fans were quick to see SM Entertainment’s post, which generated about 45.7 million views in under three hours.
With SM Entertainment and law enforcement lacking details about the case, users on social media were quick to jump in, spreading false rumors about the alleged victim. Other fans were quick to shoot down the rumors and clarify any misinformation that was spreading online.
Although the details of the case are unclear, Taeil’s situation serves as a warning to the Korean public, as there has been an increasing number of cases related to sexual assault, as well as an increase in sexually explicit content of young people online.
Taeil himself has not released a statement to the public, and SM Entertainment is currently working with the police to obtain more information. Other members of NCT have not spoken about the allegations and more information is yet to be released.
