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The incident occurred in June 2024 after Taeil and his acquaintances met the woman at a bar in Itaewon. According to prosecutors, she became heavily intoxicated during the night. Taeil and his co-defendants then placed her in a taxi and brought her to a residence in the Bangbae district, where they assaulted her while she was unconscious.
The court was presented with evidence suggesting premeditation. Investigators discovered messages where the group discussed the woman being a foreigner and coordinated efforts to mislead authorities by altering GPS data and confusing the victim about her location. It reportedly took investigators two months to track the suspects using CCTV footage.
Taeil confirmed all charges during the trial. His legal team asked for leniency, stating that Taeil had voluntarily surrendered, completed a sexual violence prevention program, and received counseling. They also shared that he reached an agreement with the victim, who expressed she did not wish further punishment upon him.
“I’m sorry to all the people who felt disappointed,” Taeil said in court.
The legal case became public on August 28, 2024, when SM Entertainment announced Taeil’s removal from all group activities after learning about his involvement in a sexual crime investigation. NCT members distanced themselves from him online, and by October, SM had terminated his exclusive contract.
Taeil debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT U and later joined NCT 127. He had remained active until the scandal broke, ending his career with the group and severing ties with SM Entertainment.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 10 at 2 p.m. Although the victim’s statement and Taeil’s cooperation may influence the final ruling, the severity of the charges has left a lasting impact on the public and the kpop industry.
