In August, a post titled “NCT Taeil Incident” was written on Everytime (an online service designed to share university-related information). The author of the post stated, “The case was handed over a month ago. It’s just that the news came out today, so it seems sudden.”
The post continued, “I heard it was three men including an NCT member,” adding, “It doesn’t seem like it was on Telegram, but it seems to be group sexual assault.” The NCT member mentioned appears to be Taeil.
Taeil’s allegations of special rape were first reported by Chosun Ilbo on October 7. According to the report, Taeil was investigated by the Seoul Bangbae Police Station and was handed over to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office last month.
The charge of special rape involves committing sexual acts with an incapacitated person, either while possessing a weapon or with the participation of 2 or more individuals. If the charges are proven, the penalty could be imprisonment for at least 7 years or a life sentence, according to Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
It was reported that Taeil was accused in June of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman along with 2 non-celebrity individuals.
Earlier, SM Entertainment stated, “We recently confirmed that Taeil has been involved in a criminal case related to sexual offenses. While we were investigating the facts, we recognized the seriousness of the issue and decided that he could no longer continue team activities. After discussions with Taeil, we have decided on his departure from the team.”