SM Entertainment opened up about Moon Tae-il accused of criminal case related to a sexual offense.
Taeil’s Sex Crime Case
Moon Taeil, a 30-year old K-pop singer, debuted and performed under the stage name of Taeil in 2016. He grabbed the stage and performed for NCT subunits, for instance, NCT U and NCT 127. However, Taeil’s career came to a halt when SM Entertainment made an announcement about him.
The company said in a statement, “We have recently learned that Taeil has been accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offense.” It further said, “As we were assessing the facts related to the matter, we recognized the severity of the situation and determined that Moon Tae-il can no longer continue his activities with the NCT team. After discussing with Moon Tae-il, we have decided on his departure from the group.”
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According to the company, K-pop idol Taeil is currently fully cooperating with the police investigation and the company is determined to open up and share information as and when required throughout the course of the investigation.
As per multiple sources, an accuser filed a criminal complaint against Taeil over an alleged sexual offense in the Seoul Bangbae Police Station in June this year. Following this, Moon Tae-il participated in an NCT 127 fan-meeting held on August 3 and 4.
According to SM Entertainment, it was made aware of the complaint against Taeil in mid-August and police began investigating him on August 28. It was the same day, Taeil departure from the group. Police confirmed on August 29 that Taeil had been booked and was being investigated.
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Several social media posts and rumors are being spread about the idol. Some portray him as assaulting 11-year old girl or a young boy while others accused him of raping a minor. To clarify, Police have said that the complaint against NCT U member was made by an adult woman. Police specifically noted that the accuser was not a minor or a male.
Though, SM Entertainment confirmed his departure from the group but it does not necessarily mean he’s leaving the company. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Taeil’s contract with SM Entertainment is still intact and also still listed as an individual artist on it’s website.
Similar is the case of former NCT member Lucas, he faced allegations of cheating and gaslighting multiple ex-girlfriends. He issued an apology for his wrongful behavior in 2021 and later left the group in 2023. However, Lucas is still signed with SM, and promoted as a soloist on music shows this year.
