The label explained, “We hereby inform you that our exclusive contract with Taeil was terminated as of October 15, 2024." SM Entertainment expressed regret saying, “Taeil is currently under investigation by the prosecution for a criminal case, which is grounds for contract termination. Moreover, the situation has made it impossible to maintain trust with him as an artist. As such, the decision to terminate the contract was made in mutual agreement with him.”
Meanwhile, Taeil brought shock to the entertainment industry as it was reported that Taeil was under police investigation for aggravated quasi-rape following allegations of sexual assault. After the reports, SM Entertainment quickly announced that Taeil would no longer continue his activities with NCT, permanently exiting the group.
Korean netizens reacted to Taeil's exclusive contract termination with comments such as:
"I wonder if he's going to jail."
"Shouldn't SM be suing him?"
"He's so crazy."
"I think SM shouldn't only terminate the contract but file a lawsuit for losses against him."
"This is legendary."
"I hope SM re-records all the NCT songs without him."
"I'm from another fandom but I agree NCT needs to re-record their songs."
"I guess SM doesn't keep everyone around."
"This is the first time I saw SM cut ties this quickly. I'm glad they did though."
"I can't listen to any NCT songs because of him."
"He ruined it for everyone, the fans and the members."
"He's so pathetic."
"They did the right thing to cut ties with him this fast."
"Please re-record all the NCT 127 songs."
"This is so unlike SM but I understand the company. This was legendary."
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