The 30-year-old South Korean singer has left K-pop group NCT following an accusation of a sexual offense, according to a statement issued by his agency, SM Entertainment.
- August 29, 2024
AceShowbiz - SM Entertainment announced on Wednesday, August 28, that Taeil, 30, has been accused of a sexual crime and has withdrawn from the band. The statement reads: "While assessing the facts related to this matter, we recognized the severity of the issue and determined that he can no longer continue team activities."
The agency assured that Taeil has been fully cooperating with the police investigation. SM Entertainment apologized for the controversy caused by its artist.
Seoul Bangbae Police Station announced on Thursday that it has booked and is investigating Taeil, who was suspected of a sexual crime last June.
SM Entertainment, on the other hand, claimed in another statement, "We first became aware of Taeil's sexual assault accusation in mid-August, and a police investigation was held on the 28th."
Taeil had been part of NCT, the original entity of SM Entertainment's multi-part boy-band project, as well as the sub-unit NCT 127. He has been limited in his activities over the past year due to a serious motorcycle accident in August 2023.
Taeil's departure comes nearly two months after two other NCT 127 members, Johnny and Haechan, were falsely accused of being involved in a sex scandal. SM Entertainment threatened legal action against those spreading the rumors.
Despite his departure from NCT, Taeil's contract with SM Entertainment has not been terminated.
