The exclusive contract between former NCT member Taeil and SM Entertainment has been terminated.

SM Entertainment released a statement on the afternoon of the 16th, stating, “We would like to inform you that the exclusive contract between us and Taeil has been terminated as of October 15, 2024.”

They continued, “Taeil is currently being investigated by the prosecution due to a criminal indictment case, and not only is this grounds for termination under the exclusive contract, but as we can no longer continue to trust him as an artist, we have decided to terminate the exclusive contract with his consent.”

Meanwhile, on August 28, SM Entertainment announced the news of Taeil‘s indictment, stating, “We have recently confirmed that Taeil has been indicted in a criminal case related to a sexual crime. In relation to this, while looking into the facts, we realized that the matter was very serious and decided that he could no longer continue team activities, and after discussion with Taeil, we decided to leave the team.”

He continued, “Taeil is currently cooperating faithfully with the police investigation, and we will provide additional information as the investigation progresses. We deeply apologize for the controversy caused by our artist.”


●Here is SM Entertainment’s full statement

This is SM Entertainment.

We would like to inform you that our exclusive contract with Taeil has been terminated as of October 15, 2024.

Taeil is currently being investigated by the prosecution for a criminal case, and not only is this grounds for termination under the exclusive contract, but as we can no longer continue to trust him as an artist, we have decided to terminate the exclusive contract with him in agreement.

We would like to once again apologize for causing concern due to Taeil, who was our artist.

Choi Yoon-na, Donga.com reporter yyynnn@donga.com