Taeil removed from NCT due to sexual crime allegations

Trigger warning: Sexual abuse

MANILA, Philippines – Taeil had been removed from K-pop boy group NCT after his alleged involvement in sexual crimes, SM Entertainment said in a statement on Wednesday, August 28.

“We have recently learned that Taeil has been accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offense. As we were assessing the facts related to the matter, we recognized the severity of the situation and determined that Taeil can no longer continue his activities with the team,” the agency said, according to a translation from Soompi.

SM added that the decision was made after discussions with Taeil, who was “currently cooperating fully with the police investigation.” The agency also said it would make further statements as the investigation progresses.

It also apologized for the “concern and distress” caused by the news.

SM엔터테인먼트입니다. pic.twitter.com/28XapiFuOk

— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) August 28, 2024

Taeil has been on hiatus since August 2023 due to an injury sustained in a motorcycle accident. Taeil was part of the NCT Korean subunit NCT 127 and rotational group NCT U.

This is not the first time an NCT member has come under fire. Lucas left the group in May 2023 after being embroiled in cheating and gaslighting controversies. – Rappler.com