K-pop agency SM Entertainment and South Korean police have shared more information about the “sexual offense” allegations surrounding former NCT member Taeil.
Yesterday (August 28), SM Entertainment announced that NCT singer Taeil would leave the boyband after learning that the singer has been “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offense”. Taeil had first made his debut as a member of NCT in 2016 as part of permanent sub-group NCT 127.
In its statement, The K-pop agency said that it “determined that Taeil can no longer continue his activities with NCT” after the company “recognised the severity of the situation”. SM Entertainment also noted that it was “assessing the facts related to the matter” regarding Taeil.
Today (August 29), SM Entertainment responded to South Korean media reports that alleged that the sexual offense allegations against Taeil had been filed as early as June this year.
In a statement to EDaily, per Soompi, SM Entertainment claimed that both it and Taeil had “learned about the indictment around the middle of this month”. Additionally, the K-pop idol was “investigated by the police on August 28”.
Separately, on the night of August 28, the South Korean police also commented on the nature of the allegations against former NCT singer Taeil. Telling Chosun Ilbo, via Korea JoongAng Daily, officials said that the allegations were “not against a minor or male”.
Taeil is also the fourth member of NCT to leave the group over the past couple years. In 2023, singers Sungchan and Shotaro left the boyband in order to join the new group RIIZE. Meanwhile, Lucas Wong official left the group in May 2023, following a lengthy hiatus.
Earlier this year, SM Entertainment issued a statement denying allegations that NCT members Johnny and Haechan were involved in a sex scandal. The label described the incident as “entirely untrue” and threatened to take legal action against parties responsible for the rumours.