South Korean singer Taeil leaves K-pop group NCT due to a sexual offense allegation.
The South Korean singer's agency, SM Entertainment, announced on Wednesday that the 30-year-old will be leaving after recently confirming that Taeil “has been charged with a criminal case related to sexual crimes.”
Although the label did not specify the alleged crimes, an English translation of its X statement read, “We recognized the severity of the issue and have decided that Taeil can no longer continue with team activities.”
“We have discussed this matter with Taeil and it has been decided that he will be leaving the group,” the label said, adding that it is “faithfully working on the police investigation.” SM also apologized “for the controversy caused by our artist.”
Members of K-pop group NCT 127, including Taeil, right, at an awards ceremony in South Korea in late 2021.
(Lee Jin-man / Associated Press)
The band, which debuted as Neo Culture Technology in 2016, is known for its genre-hopping, experimental music. It has more than a dozen members who are divided into subgroups, including NCT 127, NCT Dream and NCT Wish. Taeil, 30, recently participated in NCT 127 and promoted the group’s sixth LP, “Walk,” which was released in July. His NCT bandmate Jaehyun released a solo album earlier this week.
According to the Associated Press, the report of a criminal case could not be independently verified and police declined to comment. Korea JoongAng Daily reported that despite Taeil's departure from NCT, his contract with SM Entertainment has not been terminated.
According to Billboard, Taeil's participation in the group has been limited over the past year as he recovered from a motorcycle accident in August 2023. The singer required surgery and took a break to focus on his rehabilitation. SM Entertainment said in October that he still needed “sufficient treatment” following the procedure, causing him to withdraw from the NCT 127 tour that began in November.
