According to a report by TenAsia on the 8th, Taeil was accused in June of sexually assaulting a foreign national woman who was intoxicated, alongside two acquaintances. Earlier rumors suggested the victim was male, but these have been confirmed as false.
The charge of special rape applies when two or more individuals, or those armed with a weapon, commit rape against a victim who is incapacitated or unable to resist.
According to legal experts, the charge of special rape is subject to harsher penalties under Article 4 of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, due to the high potential for escalation to injury or murder.
Regarding these allegations, a representative from Taeil's agency, SM Entertainment, cautiously stated, "It is difficult to comment as the matter is currently under investigation."
Previously, SM Entertainment confirmed, "We have verified that Taeil has been accused in a criminal case related to sexual crimes," and added, "Upon recognizing the severity of the situation while verifying the facts, we decided that he could no longer continue team activities and agreed with Taeil on his departure from the team," as announced on August 28.
They further stated, "Taeil is currently cooperating fully with the police investigation," and promised to provide additional statements as the investigation progresses. "We deeply apologize for the trouble caused by our artist," they added.
Taeil debuted in 2016 as part of NCT's unit NCT U and has been active as a member of NCT and its sub-group NCT 127.
Reporter Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr