SM Entertainment has terminated its exclusive contract with Taeil (birth name Moon Taeil), who has been accused of sexual assault and subsequently exited the group NCT.
On October 16th, SM Entertainment stated, "We hereby inform you that our exclusive contract with Taeil was terminated as of October 15, 2024."
The statement continued, "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."
SM Entertainment also expressed regret, saying, "We sincerely apologize once again for the concerns caused by Taeil, who was one of our artists."
Previously, on October 7th, Chosun Ilbo reported that Taeil had been accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman alongside two acquaintances in June. It was noted that no other celebrities were involved in the incident.
Under criminal law, the charge of special quasi-rape applies when someone engages in sexual acts with a victim who is incapacitated due to intoxication or unconsciousness, in conjunction with at least one other person or while possessing a weapon. If found guilty, the offender faces a minimum sentence of seven years in prison or life imprisonment, as per Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
Taeil was initially questioned at the Seoul Bangbae Police Station before being transferred to the prosecution on September 12th.
On August 28th, the day of Taeil's police summons, SM Entertainment announced, "We recently confirmed that Taeil has been accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offense. While verifying the facts, we recognized the seriousness of the matter and concluded that he could no longer continue team activities. After discussions with Taeil, we decided on his withdrawal from the group." Following this announcement, other NCT members unfollowed Taeil on social media, an unusual and clear severance of ties.
Taeil debuted in 2016 and has been active in units such as NCT 127 and NCT U. After a motorcycle accident last August, he had taken a break from activities but resumed them a year later by participating in NCT's 8th-anniversary fan meeting in August.
Full statement from SM Entertainment:
This is SM Entertainment. We hereby inform you that our exclusive contract with Taeil was terminated as of October 15, 2024.
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.
We sincerely apologize once again for the concerns caused by Taeil, who was one of our artists.
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