Taeil, who was previously sentenced to prison for his involvement in the sexual assault of a foreign tourist, may receive a seven-year sentence in his appeal trial. The 11-3 Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court held an appeal trial on September 17, following months of legal proceedings.
Taeil and two accomplices, identified as Lee and Hong, were charged under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (special rape). According to court records, the group met a Chinese female tourist at a bar in Itaewon during the early hours of June 13 last year. After drinking together, she became heavily intoxicated and was unable to resist. The men put her in a taxi and took her to an accomplice’s residence in Seocho-gu, where they carried out the assault.
The first trial, held in July, sentenced Taeil and his accomplices to three years and six months in prison each. However, both the prosecution and the defendants appealed. Prosecutors argued that the original ruling was too lenient given the severity of the crime, and once again demanded seven years of imprisonment during the appeal.
At the appeal hearing, Taeil appeared in court wearing a prison uniform and expressed remorse for his actions. “I am well aware that the wounds suffered by the victim cannot be fully healed by any words or actions. Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely offer my apology. For leaving behind irreparable scars with my irresponsible and foolish actions, I will live the rest of my life in a spirit of atonement.”
His lawyer asked the court for leniency, referencing a traffic accident Taeil reportedly suffered in 2023 that left him with ongoing health issues.
His lawyer stated, “When moving to the shared residence, he only had the thought of drinking more alcohol, not of committing a crime. Around the time he turned himself in to the authorities, he had already withdrawn from his group and terminated his exclusive contract with his agency. Before being taken into custody, he worked part-time at a restaurant to support himself and his father, while trying to become a sound member of society. He is now reflecting on his wrongdoing and repenting while in detention,” and appealed for leniency.”
Taeil’s side argued that the incident was a momentary lapse rather than a reflection of his character, stressing that he has otherwise led an honest life. He pointed out his strong family ties, history of charity work, clean record, and long career as a public figure without major issues.
The sentencing hearing for Taeil and his accomplices is scheduled to take place on October 17 at 2:30 p.m.
