He is under investigation on charges of aggravated rape.
Content warning
This article includes descriptions of sexual violence this may disturb some readers.
Previously, SM Entertainment announced Taeilthe withdrawal from NCT due to an unspecified sexual crime. At the moment the company has not provided further details.
On October 7, 2024, it was reported that Taeil had been investigated a week ago on charges of aggravated rape. The case was sent to the Seoul Central Prosecutor’s Office after the Bangbae Police Station investigated Taeil. The Seoul Central Prosecutor’s Office has not yet summoned Taeil.
Second ChosunTaeil was arrested by the police for raping a drunk woman with two of his non-famous friends. On October 8, Ten Asia reported that the victim was a woman of foreign nationality. Previous rumors claimed the victim was male, but that was confirmed to be false.
After hearing the reports, netizens suspect that Taeil and his friends believed that they would not face repercussions if the victim was foreign. However, aggravated rapes are serious cases.
Aggravated rape cases refer to when the perpetrator brandished a weapon or if two or more people work together to rape someone who is unconscious or has no means to retaliate. Aggravated cases of rape can result in injury and murder of victims. Accordingly, under Article 4 of the Special Law on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, they are subject to an aggravated punishment compared to quasi-rape crimes. Under the law, if Taeil admitted to the charges, he would face more than seven years in prison.
SM Entertainment released a short statement: “The case is under investigation and it is difficult to make a statement at this time.”