Former NCT Member Taeil Admits to Aggravated Sexual Assault Charges: 7-Year Prison Sentence Demanded!
On June 18, the Seoul Central District Court’s 26th Criminal Division held the initial trial for former NCT member Taeil and two others, all charged under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
Appearing in court dressed in plain black attire, Taeil identified himself as a former singer who has been dismissed from his company and is currently working part-time at a friend’s restaurant. His legal representative confirmed this during the proceedings.
According to prosecutors, Taeil and two acquaintances encountered the victim, an adult woman, at a bar in Itaewon around 2:33 a.m. on June 13, 2024. After drinking together, they forcibly placed her into a taxi and brought her to a residence in Bangbae-dong. From approximately 4:00 to 4:30 a.m., while the victim was unconscious and heavily intoxicated, the group allegedly committed joint rape.
All three defendants, including Taeil, admitted to the charges during the trial. Prosecutors then requested seven-year prison terms for each.
This follows Taeil’s indictment without detention in February 2024. Though arrest warrants were initially sought, the court denied them due to the suspects’ admissions and low flight risk.
What has further shocked fans is the revelation that Taeil continued group activities even after being investigated. Despite being reported to police on June 13, Taeil went live on Instagram on June 14, his birthday, thanking fans and discussing his plans as if nothing had happened. He also participated in NCT 127‘s album “WALK,” and the group’s 8th anniversary fan meeting in August 2024, sharing emotional remarks with fans.
If convicted, Taeil faces a minimum sentence of 7 years or life imprisonment under Korean law regarding aggravated sexual assault. The court’s ruling will likely have long-lasting implications for both his personal life and the industry’s response to misconduct.
