SM Entertainment has officially terminated its contract with former NCT member Taeil, the company confirmed on October 16, 2024. The announcement follows Taeil’s ongoing legal troubles, including serious criminal charges.
SM Entertainment’s Official Statement
The company issued a public statement, explaining the circumstances behind the decision:
“This is SM Entertainment. We wish to inform you that as of October 15, 2024, Taeil’s exclusive contract with us has been terminated. Taeil is currently under investigation by the prosecution for criminal charges, which falls under justifiable reason for the termination of exclusive contract. Of course, trust in him as an artist cannot be continued, and it was decided upon discussion with Taeil himself that the contract would be terminated. We wish to apologize once more for having worried everyone with our former artist Taeil’s matters.”
— SM Entertainment
This decision was made in light of the charges Taeil is currently facing, which involve accusations of rape. The allegations came to public attention earlier this year, resulting in significant media coverage and speculation. His legal battles prompted discussions between him and the company, leading to the mutual agreement to part ways.
Taeil’s Criminal Charges
Taeil was first charged with rape earlier in 2024. The accusations shocked his fans and the entertainment industry, putting both his career and reputation at risk. He has since been under investigation by the authorities, with the case now in the hands of prosecutors.
While further details of the case remain private, the seriousness of the charges ultimately led SM Entertainment to take decisive action. The company’s priority, as indicated in their statement, was to uphold their values and maintain trust with the public.
Reactions from Fans and the Public
Fans of NCT and Taeil have expressed a wide range of emotions following the news of his contract termination. Some are disappointed, while others understand the need for SM Entertainment to distance itself from the legal controversy.
Many users took to social media to share their thoughts on the matter:
“I’m heartbroken, but I understand why they had to terminate the contract. It’s just really sad to see this happen.” — @kpopfan92 on Twitter
“This is disappointing, but SM did the right thing. We can’t support someone with such serious accusations.” — @staykdrama on Instagram
The reactions highlight the complexity of the situation, as Taeil’s fans navigate their feelings amidst the legal situation and his separation from SM Entertainment.
Future of NCT and Taeil
With Taeil no longer a part of SM Entertainment, the future of his career remains uncertain. NCT, known for its flexible lineup and multiple subunits, will continue its activities without him, while fans wait to see how this significant departure affects the group moving forward.
Taeil’s next steps, particularly concerning his legal situation, are still unclear. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and what it might reveal in the coming months.
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