Former NCT member Taeil has admitted to all charges of aggravated rape during his first court hearing.
Taeil's first trial for his aggravated rape case
The Seoul Central District Court’s 26th Criminal Division held the first hearing on June 18 for Taeil and two other defendants, who were charged with violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (aggravated rape).
On the day of the trial, Taeil appeared in court wearing a relatively casual black outfit and stood alongside the two other defendants. When asked to identify himself, he stated, “I was expelled from my agency after working as a singer. I’m currently doing part-time work to get by.” His lawyer added, “He is now helping out at a friend’s restaurant to make a living.”
Taeil and the two co-defendants admitted to all charges, with Taeil plainly stating, “I admit to all the charges.” Taeil’s lawyer acknowledged the gravity of the offense but pleaded for leniency, explaining that Taeil had expressed sincere remorse through a public defender to the victim, who had accepted his apology.
The prosecution requested a sentence of seven years in prison for all three defendants, along with mandatory sexual offender treatment programs, public disclosure of personal information, and a 10-year employment restriction in child-related sectors. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 10.
Korean netizens' reaction
Despite Taeil expressing remorse over his actions, Korean netizens continue to express dissatisfaction with the prosecution's decision to seek only seven years in prison. Many pointed out that the punishment seems light compared to the gravity of the crime.
One netizen highlighted that the crime was planned, as Taeil and his acquaintances were well aware of their actions. The netizen cited the prosecutor of the case. The prosecution stated, "It's hard to accept the claim that the crime was impulsive. Based on the group chat messages, it’s clear the defendants were aware the victim was a foreigner and deliberately tried to avoid being tracked by instructing the taxi location to be recorded at a place other than the actual crime scene."
They commented:
"With someone like him, it’s not like he couldn’t get a girlfriend, so there’s only one reason he would act like this instead of having a normal relationship: He has a rape fantasy. And if this was a gang rape, I doubt this was even his first time."
"The nature of the crime is so vile, and he did this while actively promoting. All of his music needs to be taken down. Even if he only sang background vocals, I don’t want to hear it at all."
"Only 7 years???"
"If he were sentenced to 7 years, he’ll probably serve at most 5. Ugh."
"They probably settled, so he’ll get like 2–3 years. Disgusting bastard."
"Doubt this is his first offense. He probably had a lot of one-night stands, fooled around recklessly, and just didn’t get reported. That’s probably how he ended up escalating to group rape."
"Wow, 7 years in prison... damn."
"'Helping out at a friend’s restaurant to make a living'??? He must’ve made so much money already. What kind of excuse is that? Creepy."
"Committing such a despicable crime against a foreign tourist at a club... and then talking about 'making a living'? So disgusting. He better rot in prison."
"Seven years is so short."
"Dang... only seven years?"
"Who is he trying to buy pity from? Everyone makes a living by working hard."
"This is so legendary in so many ways."
"So disgusting."
"What's more disgusting is he did live streaming after committing that."
"He's a lunatic."
"So gross. Seven years is so short for rape."
"He's asking for leniency because he's working at a restaurant? Wow..."
SHARE
