Trigger Warning: This article discusses s*xual violence. Reader discretion is advised.
Former NCT member Moon Taeil has admitted to aggravated s*xual assault charges alongside two accomplices. The Seoul Central District Court held the first trial on June 18, 2025, where prosecutors demanded a 7-year prison sentence for all three defendants.
The case involves the assault of an intoxicated foreign woman in June 2024. Taeil and his acquaintances met the victim at a bar in Itaewon, Seoul, before taking her to a private residence where the crime occurred. Prosecutors revealed disturbing text messages showing the crime was planned.
Taeil, once a main vocalist of NCT 127, was removed from the group in August 2024 after the allegations surfaced. His agency, SM Entertainment, terminated his contract, stating they could no longer maintain trust in him as an artist.
Case Background: How the Crime Unfolded
The incident took place on June 13, 2024, around 2:30 AM. Taeil and two non-celebrity acquaintances met the victim, a Chinese national, at a bar in Itaewon. They drank together before forcing her into a taxi.
Prosecutors presented KakaoTalk messages where the men discussed keeping the victim awake and altering the taxi’s GPS to hide their location. The assault happened between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM at one of the defendant’s homes in Bangbae, Seoul.
Police took two months to analyze CCTV footage and track the defendants’ movements. The victim, who was heavily intoxicated and unconscious, reported the crime shortly after.
Taeil’s Admission and Legal Arguments
During the trial, Taeil pleaded guilty but requested leniency. His lawyers claimed he surrendered voluntarily, apologized to the victim, and reached a financial settlement.
“Taeil submitted a statement of self-surrender to the police. He also reached an agreement with the victim, who is Chinese, and received a letter stating she did not want further punishment.”
Prosecutors disputed this, arguing the surrender was not genuine. They emphasized the crime’s severity, stating the victim suffered long-term emotional and mental trauma.
SM Entertainment’s Response and Taeil’s Removal
SM Entertainment initially remained silent as the case unfolded. However, in August 2024, they announced Taeil’s departure from NCT and terminated his contract in October 2024.
“We inform you that the exclusive contract between our company and Taeil has been terminated as of October 15, 2024. Taeil is under prosecution investigation, making it impossible to maintain trust in him as an artist.”
Despite the allegations, Taeil continued public activities for months. He held a live SNS broadcast a day after the police report and attended an NCT 127 fan meeting in August 2024.
Public and Fan Reactions
Fans expressed outrage over the lack of transparency. Many demanded strict punishment, while others destroyed Taeil’s merchandise online.
“If the accusations were serious enough to remove him immediately, why wasn’t the public informed sooner?” – Fan comment on social media.
The case has reignited discussions about celebrity accountability in South Korea’s entertainment industry. Past incidents involving K-pop stars like Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon have drawn similar scrutiny.
Legal Consequences and Next Steps
The charge of aggravated quasi-r*pe applies when multiple perpetrators assault a victim unable to resist. Under South Korean law, this carries a minimum 7-year sentence or life imprisonment.
The prosecution also demanded 10 years of employment restrictions, preventing Taeil from working in certain industries after release. The final verdict will be announced on July 10, 2025.
Broader Impact on K-pop Industry
This case adds to growing concerns over s*xual misconduct in K-pop. Recent years have seen multiple idols face similar allegations, leading to public backlash and career downfall.
SM Entertainment, home to groups like EXO and aespa, faces criticism for its handling of the case. Fans accuse the company of delayed action and lack of accountability.
Key Evidence Against Taeil
KakaoTalk messages discussing the victim and altering GPS data.
CCTV footage showing the defendants taking the victim to the crime location.
Medical reports confirming the victim’s intoxicated state.
What Happens Next?
The court will deliver its verdict on July 10. If convicted, Taeil and his accomplices could face 7 years or more in prison. The case has already ended his K-pop career, serving as a cautionary tale in the industry.
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