K-pop idol Taeil indicted for alleged sexual assault—reports

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault. 

Former NCT member Moon Taeil was reportedly indicted for sexually assaulting a woman with two other men.

South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo said that the 30-year-old idol is being investigated for aggravated quasi-rape, an offense wherein a person performs an “indecent act on another by taking advantage of the other's condition of unconsciousness or inability to resist,” as per the Korean Law.

The report added that Taeil allegedly committed the offense with two other men against an intoxicated woman. 

If he is found guilty, the K-pop idol could face at least seven years in prison or a life sentence. 

After the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul investigated him, he was transferred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office on Sept. 12. 

SM Entertainment briefly responded to the report saying, “It is difficult to comment as the matter is currently under investigation.”

The agency announced on Aug. 28 that Taeil had left NCT due to sexual offense allegations. After his departure from the group, a report from Korea JoongAng Daily claimed that his contract with SM Entertainment had not been terminated yet.

The case was reportedly filed in June after Seoul’s Bangbae police station received a complaint from an adult woman against Taeil.

Amid the complaint, he attended NCT's 8th-anniversary fan meeting from Aug. 3 to 4, which drew flak from fans. 

However, SM Entertainment told the Korean media outlet Newsen that they only learned about the issue in August. 

Taeil debuted with NCT in April 2016 and was part of sub-units NCT U and NCT 127. He has been on hiatus since August 2023 following a motorcycle accident injury. 

NCT is composed of 26 members and five sub-units. Taeil's units, NCT 127 and NCT U, are known for their songs Cherry Bomb, Kick It, Regular, 2 Baddies, Baggy Jeans, Make A Wish, BOSS, Baby Don't Stop, and 90's Love.