This article includes descriptions of sexual assault that may disturb some readers.
Former member of the K-pop group NCT, Taeil, has been formally charged but not detained in a sexual assault case. The charges relate to an incident from June 2024, where he is accused of sexually assaulting a foreign woman along with two other individuals. It has come to light that Taeil did not attend a police summons for questioning, citing health concerns, and a previous request for his arrest warrant was turned down by the court. Despite this, prosecutors have moved forward and indicted Taeil and his alleged accomplices.
Indictment Without Custody
On March 4, 2025, reports emerged revealing that the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office’s division for crimes against women and children indicted Moon Taeil, known as Taeil, and two others on February 28, 2025. The charges are for special quasi-rape under the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. This legal action means Taeil is officially charged and will face trial, but he has not been taken into custody.
The case stems from accusations that Taeil and his associates sexually assaulted a woman who was intoxicated in June of the previous year. Initially, there were suggestions that weapons might have been involved, leading to the “special quasi-rape” designation. This charge is applied in cases of sexual assault involving weapons or when multiple perpetrators target a victim unable to resist due to unconsciousness or incapacity. However, it was later clarified that no weapons were used in this particular incident.
Arrest Warrant Denied
Following the victim’s report to the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul in June 2024, the police sought arrest warrants for all three suspects, including Taeil. However, the court rejected this request. The court reasoned that because the suspects had already admitted to the alleged crime and because there was deemed to be a low risk of them fleeing or obstructing the investigation, detention was not necessary at this stage.
Despite the denied arrest warrant, the police continued their investigation. Two months after the initial report, in August 2024, Taeil was summoned by the police for questioning. After this summons and further investigation, the police forwarded the case to the prosecution in September 2024, recommending charges.
No Response to Summons
While Taeil’s alleged accomplices reportedly cooperated with the prosecution’s investigation by attending their summons, Taeil did not appear. He cited health issues as the reason for his absence. Instead of attending the summons, Taeil submitted a medical certificate to verify his health condition and a legal opinion from his attorney. The details of his health issues and the content of the legal opinion have not been publicly disclosed.
The case is ongoing, and further details are awaited as the legal proceedings progress. The indictment marks a significant step, indicating that the prosecution believes there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial against Taeil and his co-accused. The public and fans are closely watching how this case will unfold, given Taeil’s former prominent position in the K-pop industry.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
