This article includes descriptions of sexual assault that may disturb some readers.
Former NCT member Taeil has confessed to aggravated r*pe charges in court, sparking outrage among fans and netizens. The disturbing details of the case have left many in disbelief.
On February 28, 2025, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office indicted Taeil and two others for aggravated rape under South Korea’s Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. The charges relate to a June 2024 incident involving the assault of an intoxicated foreign woman. During his first trial on June 18, 2025, Taeil admitted to the crime. Prosecutors are seeking a seven-year prison sentence for him and his accomplices.
The prosecution revealed that Taeil and the two other defendants met the victim at a bar in Itaewon in the early hours of June 13, 2024. After drinking together, they forced her into a taxi and took her to a residence in Seoul’s Bangbae area. The assault occurred between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. while the victim was unconscious.
Evidence showed the attack was planned in advance. Text messages between the suspects revealed they targeted the victim because she was a foreigner. They also discussed manipulating taxi GPS data to hide the crime location.
SM Entertainment terminated Taeil’s contract in October 2024 after the allegations surfaced. When asked about his current situation in court, Taeil said, “I used to be a singer but was expelled from my company. I’m now working part-time.” His lawyer confirmed he is employed at a friend’s restaurant.
Netizens expressed disgust and anger after learning the case details. Many were shocked by SM Entertainment’s quick action, as the company has been criticized in the past for protecting artists accused of misconduct.
This is insane. I can’t believe it even after reading it. SM usually tries to cover things up, but for them to cut ties so quickly… I figured it would be something serious, but wow, this is beyond imagination.
Wow, that crazy bastard.
WYM he has to scrape up a living through part-time jobs? He has so much money earned previously.
W…What did he do?
Crazy.
The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile s*x crime cases in South Korea, where strict laws are in place for such offenses. Legal experts note that the premeditated nature of the crime and the victim’s vulnerability could lead to a harsh sentence.
Taeil debuted as NCT’s main vocalist in 2016. He was known for his singing skills and calm personality before the scandal. His departure from the group and the industry has been met with mixed reactions, as fans struggle to reconcile his past image with the crimes he committed.
The trial continues, with sentencing expected in the coming weeks.
We use cookies to enhance your experience. By consenting, you allow us to process data like Browse behavior and unique IDs. Declining may affect some site features.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
