Former NCT member Taeil was spotted out in public recently.
On April 21, eyewitness accounts of Taeil spread on various online communities. One user posted photos of the former idol and wrote, "I saw Moon Taeil recently. He's out drinking even before his first trial."
In the photos, a man presumed to be Taeil was seen dining and drinking with two acquaintances at a restaurant.
The poster explained, "My friend happened to see him while eating at the same restaurant and took photos, but one of the acquaintances said, 'My dongsaeng (younger brother) is going through a hard time, so please don't take pictures'."
According to Star News on April 19, the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court scheduled the first trial for Taeil and two others, charged with violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (aggravated quasi-rape), for May 12.
The Bangbae Police Station in Seoul, which handled the case, requested arrest warrants for all three suspects, including Taeil. Still, the court dismissed the request, stating that the perpetrators acknowledged the crime, reducing the need for arrest. Subsequently, the other two suspects, apart from Taeil, appeared before the prosecution for questioning, which helped reduce concerns about potential flight risk.
Previously, in June of last year, Taeil was indicted on charges of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman. That same year, his agency SM Entertainment terminated his exclusive contract following his indictment without detention and removed him from the group NCT.
SM stated that upon learning of the police investigation, they immediately announced Taeil’s withdrawal: “We recognized the gravity of the matter and determined that he could no longer continue with the group’s activities. We discussed the matter with Taeil and decided on his departure from the team.”
In response, fans commented, “If the agency decided on his removal immediately, the crime must be serious enough that the details should be disclosed,” while also adding, “Since there is a clear victim, we hope for a strict and appropriate punishment.”
Meanwhile, aggravated quasi-rape charges apply when two or more people commit sexual assault against a person in a state of mental or physical incapacitation, or when a weapon is involved. However, it is reported that no weapons were involved in this case.
If convicted, the crime carries a minimum prison sentence of seven years or even life imprisonment, categorizing it as a serious felony.
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