In a swift response to the escalating controversy surrounding NCT member Taeil, fellow members of the popular K-pop group have taken decisive actions to distance themselves from the scandal. On August 28, 2024, SM Entertainment officially announced Taeil’s removal from NCT following allegations of a sexual offense, sparking immediate reactions from his bandmates.

NCT Members Cut Ties with Taeil

Notably, Johnny, Winwin, and Mark have unfollowed Taeil’s personal Instagram account, joining the other members in distancing themselves from him. Previously, Taeyong, the leader of NCT, was among the first to unfollow Taeil and even went so far as to delete photos that included Taeil from his account. These photos, which were significant as they captured moments from Taeyong’s military send-off, were removed in an effort to sever ties with the embattled member.

Following Taeyong’s lead, Doyoung also unfollowed Taeil and cleaned up his following list, while Haechan and Johnny unfollowed Taeil’s account, opting not to delete broader content. The collective action of unfollowing Taeil underscores the group’s attempt to minimize the impact of the scandal on NCT’s public image and internal dynamics.

Promotions for NCT DREAM’s Mark and Haechan Delayed

The scandal’s ripple effects have also reached NCT’s promotional activities. On the same day as Taeil’s removal, WithMUU announced the postponement of Mark and Haechan’s scheduled video call event for NCT DREAM’s album DREAM( )SCAPE. The agency cited “unforeseen scheduling conflicts” as the reason for the delay, though it is widely speculated that the ongoing controversy played a significant role in this decision. Fans who were eagerly awaiting the fan calls are now left in anticipation of a rescheduled date, with WithMUU assuring participants that they will be notified once new arrangements are confirmed.

“We understand the disappointment caused by this postponement and appreciate your understanding as we navigate this challenging situation,” WithMUU stated in their official notice.

SM Entertainment’s Stance and Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation into Taeil’s alleged offenses continues, SM Entertainment has emphasized their commitment to handling the situation with the utmost seriousness. The agency’s swift action to remove Taeil from the group and the members’ decisions to unfollow him reflect the gravity of the situation. The scandal has not only affected Taeil’s position within NCT but has also disrupted the group’s activities and public image.

Fans and industry observers are closely monitoring the developments, keen to see how this controversy will impact NCT’s future.

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with any form of assault or sexual offense, please reach out to the authorities or NGOs and report it. There are several helplines available for support.

For more updates on NCT, tune in to Vviptimes.