NCT’s Taeil Charged Without Detention on Charges of Group Sexual Assault…SM Entertainment Terminates Contract

Taeil, 30 (real name Mun Taeil), a former member of SM Entertainment’s idol group NCT, has been charged without detention for sexually assaulting a woman alongside acquaintances. The First Division for Investigating Crimes Against Women and Children at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office submitted him and two accomplices to court last month on charges of special aggravated rape under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act. They are accused of assaulting a woman who was intoxicated in June of last year. The charges involve multiple people jointly raping a victim who was unable to resist due to loss of consciousness or similar conditions. During the prosecution’s investigation, it is reported that Taeil and his accomplices claimed they did not plan the crime. SM Entertainment decided to part ways with Taeil even before he was charged with a sexual crime. The company terminated his exclusive contract immediately after he was accused of such offenses in October last year, and it now issued an official statement following this prosecution. SM Entertainment stated on X (formerly Twitter), “We recently confirmed that Taeil has been charged as a defendant in a criminal case related to sexual violence. After investigating the facts of the case, we recognized the severity of the situation and determined that it is impossible for Taeil to continue working with the group.” The company added, “After discussions with Taeil, we decided to have him leave the group. He is currently fully cooperating with the police investigation, and we will provide further updates as the situation evolves. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by our artist.” Taeil made his Debut in 2016 as part of NCT’s Sub-unit NCT U and has since been active as a member of NCT 127, another group under NCT. The outcome of the ongoing trial regarding Taeil’s charges is closely watched.