After SM Entertainment announced Taeil’s withdrawal from NCT.
Bangbae Police Station also released its location.
On August 28, the K-pop industry was shocked by the sudden news of Taeil leaving NCT due to alleged sexual harassment.
In the official statement released by SM, the label stated:
“We were recently informed that Taeil was arraigned in a criminal case involving a sexual offense.
Upon reviewing the facts surrounding the matter, we realized that the situation was very serious and determined that he could no longer continue his team’s activities.
After discussing it with Taeil, we have decided to withdraw him from the team.
Taeil is currently cooperating fully with the police investigation. We will provide more information as the investigation progresses. We deeply apologize for the concern and distress caused to our artist.”
This is SM Entertainment. photo.twitter.com/28XapiFuOk
— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) August 28, 2024
READ ALSO: NCT Taeil Injured in Car Accident + SM Entertainment Releases Statement
Meanwhile, Taeil is still an artist under SM, but his future has yet to be determined following the outcome of the police investigation.
The idol joined NCT in 2016 and was active in sub-units NCT U and NCT 127 before his official departure.
Meanwhile, while SM has not specified the reason for his removal, initial reports suggest that his case is related to a sexual crime against a minor of the same sex.
A post shared by instagram
In response to this, the Bangbae Police Station, which is currently handling Taeil’s case, denied this claim and released an initial comment, stating:
“This investigation is not related to an investigation into same-sex child sexual offences.”
Lee In Chun, director of the youth and women’s division of Bangbae Police Station, added:
“I’m currently home from work. Tomorrow (August 29) I’ll look at some information uploaded to the server.”
Following this news, K-pop fans in Korea and abroad were left in disbelief. Just last month, the fandom celebrated the release of NCT 127’s sixth regular album, “WALK,” which became even more special with the participation of Taeil after his motorcycle accident last year.
A post shared by instagram
In August 2023, he was injured after being hit by a car that ran a traffic light while riding a motorcycle. He suffered a fracture to his right thigh and underwent surgery.
Because of this, he temporarily suspended his activities and sat out NCT 127’s world tour, which began in November.
Before the sex crime scandal, NCTzens were also overjoyed after Taeil attended NCT 127’s 8th debut fan meeting, held on August 3rd and 4th, just 3 weeks ago.
READ MORE: NCT Taeil sparks mixed reactions after motorcycle accident: “It’s a nuisance to the other members”
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
