Moon Taeil, 31, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting an intoxicated Chinese tourist. The assault reportedly took place in June 2024 at a private residence in Bangbae-dong, Seoul, after the ex-NCT member and two acquaintances met the woman in Itaewon. The Chinese woman was unconscious at the time of the sexual assault.
Both the prosecution and Taeil’s legal team filed appeals on July 15 and 16. The prosecution is pushing for a harsher sentence. On the other hand, Taeil and co-defendants are asking the court to reconsider their punishment in hopes of receiving a lighter sentence.
The Seoul Central District Court delivered the sentence on July 10, noting the seriousness of the crime. Although prosecutors had asked for seven years, the court reduced the sentence due to Taeil’s first-time offense, confession, and a settlement with the victim.
In addition to his prison term, Taeil is required to complete 40 hours of sexual violence prevention education.
He is also prohibited from working in child or youth-related jobs for five years and will be listed on South Korea’s public sex offender registry. He was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing.
At a hearing on June 18, Taeil admitted guilt and apologized, saying he would treat any leniency as his “last chance” to do good. His legal team says he has been undergoing therapy and trying to reflect on his actions.
The case has triggered a strong public reaction. Many fans and citizens believe the sentence was too light and are calling for tougher punishment in cases involving celebrities.
The case has been particularly shocking to fans because of Taeil’s reputation as one of the more reserved and mature members of NCT. Debuting in 2016 under SM Entertainment’s NCT U subunit, he was known for his strong vocals and clean image.
Following the initial allegations in August 2024, SM Entertainment quickly removed Taeil from NCT and formally terminated his contract by October. The company also distanced itself from the case as legal proceedings continued.
He was reported to police on June 13, 2024, by an adult female victim and was officially booked shortly afterward. The police conducted their first formal questioning of him on August 28, 2024, and later charged him with special quasi-rape. He was sent to the prosecution without detention in September of that year.
At the time, the Seoul Bangbae Police Station, which led the investigation, had requested arrest warrants for three individuals connected to the case in June 2024. However, the court denied the request, stating that since the suspects had admitted to the crime, there was no strong reason to keep them in custody.
As the case enters the appeals phase, both public and legal eyes are focused on what comes next.
