Trigger Warning: mentions of sexual assault

Photo: Taeil

Former NCT member Moon Taeil has reportedly been indicted for allegedly assaulting an intoxicated woman with two of his acquaintances, according to a report from a South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo.

Currently, Taeil is being investigated on the charge of a special quasi-rape. Special quasi-rape is a specific form of sexual assault that occurs with two or more perpetrators or involves the use of a weapon, targeting a victim in a vulnerable state, such as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If the K-pop idol is found guilty, he could be sentenced to over seven years or life imprisonment.

SM Entertainment, his agency, briefly commented on the matter: “It is difficult to comment as the matter is currently under investigation.”

In August, the agency released an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that Taeil has been removed from the K-pop boy group NCT after his alleged involvement in sexual crimes.

“We have recently learned that Taeil has been accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offense,” SM Entertainment wrote in a statement. “As we were assessing the facts related to the matter, we recognized the severity of the situation and determined that Taeil can no longer continue his activities with the team (NCT). After discussing with Taeil, we have decided on his departure from the group.”

The agency added that the former K-pop idol was “faithfully cooperating” with police investigations and apologized for the controversy that their artist had caused.

Taeil’s last involvement with NCT 127 was with their recent comeback, “Walk,” which was released in July. Before this, Taeil was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2023, prompting him to take a break from his activities to focus on recovery.

Investigations are currently ongoing with the proper authorities.