It has been reported that former NCT member Taeil (real name Moon Taeil) has been indicted on charges of a sexual crime, and the charges are for ‘special rape’.

The Chosun Ilbo first reported on the 7th that Taeil was investigated at the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul on charges of special rape and then handed over to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors‘ Office on the 12th of last month.

According to the media, Taeil was indicted in June on charges of sexually assaulting a drunken woman with two acquaintances. Taeil was summoned for questioning once on August 28, two months after the indictment. The media explained that none of the acquaintances he committed the crime with were famous.

Special rape occurs when a person possesses a weapon or two or more people work together to commit sexual intercourse with a person who is in a state of unconsciousness or unable to resist. If the charges are confirmed, he will be sentenced to at least 7 years in prison or life imprisonment according to Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Special Act on the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes.

Regarding this, his agency SM Entertainment responded cautiously to Donga.com, saying, “It’s difficult to say anything because it’s currently under investigation.”

Previously, SM Entertainment announced the news of Taeil’s indictment on August 28 through an official statement and announced Taeil’s withdrawal from NCT. SM Entertainment stated, “We have recently confirmed that Taeil has been indicted in a criminal case related to a sexual crime. While looking into the facts, we realized the severity of the matter and decided that he could no longer continue team activities. After discussing it with Taeil, we decided on his withdrawal from the team.”

They added, “Taeil is currently cooperating faithfully with the police investigation, and we will provide additional statements as the investigation progresses. We deeply apologize for our artist causing controversy.”


Taeil had already halted official NCT team activities since his car accident last year. On August 15th of last year, SM Entertainment stated, “Taeil was riding a motorcycle home on the morning of today (Liberation Day, 2023) after finishing his schedule when he was involved in a car accident. He was immediately taken to the hospital for a thorough examination and treatment.” “As a result of the examination, he was diagnosed with a fractured right thigh and the medical team advised that surgery is necessary. Taeil is currently resting while receiving the necessary treatment at the hospital ahead of the surgery. Therefore, Taeil will halt all schedules for the time being and focus on treatment and recovery.”

After recovering, Taeil has been making news through his individual activities. Last February, he participated in the OST ‘Parang(波浪)’ of the tvN Saturday-Sunday drama ‘Sejak, The Fascinated’. He also recently appeared on a YouTube channel web entertainment show. However, due to a sexual crime indictment, he withdrew from the team and his return as a singer became uncertain.

Also, Taeil, who was born in 1994, has not yet completed his military service. Depending on the outcome of the incident, whether he will fulfill his military service obligations or not may vary.


● Below is SM Entertainment’s official statement

We have recently confirmed that Taeil has been indicted in a criminal case related to sexual assault.

While investigating the facts, we realized that the matter was very serious and decided that he could no longer continue team activities. After discussing it with Taeil, we decided on his withdrawal from the team.

Taeil is currently cooperating faithfully with the police investigation, and we will provide additional statements as the investigation progresses.

We deeply apologize for the controversy caused by our artist.

Hong Se-young, Donga.com reporter, projecthong@donga.com