Taeil has been indicted without detention on charges of sexual assault.
The former NCT member was accused of special quasi-rape in August last year along with two non-celebrity acquaintances. As a result, he was removed from the group and his contract with SM Entertainment was terminated last October. Moreover, his fellow NCT members also cut ties with him by unfollowing him on social media.
According to recent reports on March 4, Taeil has been formally charged in connection with quasi-rape allegations along with two accomplices.
The 30-year-old K-pop star has been formally charged with special quasi-rape under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act. He and two acquaintances sexually assaulted a woman who was intoxicated. This horrific incident took place in June of last year. The report was filed to the police a day ahead of his birthday last year by the victim
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office’s Women and Children Crime Investigation Division 1, led by Chief Prosecutor Kim Ji Hye, brought Taeil and two other individuals involved to trial on February 28.
Since the news of his sexual assault broke, he received massive backlash from NCT fans. Additionally, they were anxiously waiting for the outcome of this trial.
It was also recently revealed that the police had requested an arrest warrant for Taeil and the others. However, the court ultimately decided not to grant the warrant. The reason for this decision was that the idol and the others had admitted to committing the crime. As a result, the court determined that there was no need to detain them while they await trial.
Notably, he has maintained silence since the investigation began in August 2024. Taeil did not apologize for his actions or release any statement. The other two individuals involved denied any prior planning of the sexual assault.
Fans are furious that Taeil’s actions have hurt NCT’s reputation and hope that the victim gets justice.