Taeil, a former member of NCT, admitted to charges of aggravated sexual assault and expressed deep remorse during his first trial appearance on June 18 at the Seoul Central District Court. The prosecution has requested a seven-year prison sentence, along with a 10-year employment restriction and mandatory disclosure of personal information.
The trial, held at the Criminal Division 26 of the Seoul Central District Court, involved three defendants including Taeil. All were charged with violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (Aggravated Rape). Prosecutors described the case as “extremely serious with malicious intent.”
Taeil entered the courtroom quietly at around 10:40 a.m., avoiding reporters. Dressed in dark clothing and thick-rimmed glasses, he maintained a calm demeanor throughout the proceedings. Several individuals believed to be fans were spotted in the courtroom.
When asked about his occupation, Taeil told the court, “I was expelled from my agency after working as a singer. I’m currently doing part-time work to get by.” He 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 defense highlighted Taeil’s voluntary surrender to the authorities, participation in sexual assault prevention education, ongoing psychological counseling, and his physical and financial struggles following a past traffic accident. “He has never been involved in any scandals since debuting at a young age and has actively engaged in charitable acts,” the lawyer added. “He is now working at a friend’s restaurant to support his family.”
However, the prosecution stressed the seriousness of the case, stating, “The defendants met a foreign tourist at a nightclub in Itaewon and took her to a residence where they committed gang rape. This is a case of extremely poor moral character.” Prosecutors also questioned the sincerity of Taeil’s remorse, pointing out that his letter of self-surrender was submitted only after a search and seizure had begun. “The claim that they went to his house to drink more doesn’t make sense, given the distance from Itaewon to Bangbae-dong,” they argued.
In his final statement, Taeil said, “I deeply regret the harm caused to the victim and feel great remorse. I apologize to everyone who is disappointed in me. If given leniency, I will treat it as the last chance in my life and dedicate myself to contributing positively to society.”
After the trial, Taeil left the courthouse in silence, avoiding both reporters and fans without offering any public apology.
Taeil is accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman along with two accomplices in June of last year. Police summoned him for questioning in August 2023 and transferred the case to prosecutors in September. A request for an arrest warrant was denied by the court.
Taeil debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT U and later joined NCT 127. However, following the emergence of the allegations, SM Entertainment announced in October 2023 that his exclusive contract had been terminated effective October 15, citing a loss of trust and his ongoing criminal investigation. Despite being under investigation, Taeil continued to participate in activities such as the NCT 127 8th anniversary fan meeting in August, without disclosing the charges to the public—a revelation that drew further criticism.
The sentencing hearing for Taeil’s first trial is scheduled for 2 p.m. on July 10.
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