Former NCT Member Taeil Faces First Trial for Aggravated Rape Charges

The first trial for Taeil, a former member of the K-pop group NCT, who has been charged with aggravated rape, is set to take place.

On the 18th, the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court will conduct the first trial for Taeil and two others accused of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (aggravated rape). The trial was initially scheduled for last month on the 12th but was postponed.

Taeil was indicted for allegedly sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman with two acquaintances in June of last year. The charge of aggravated rape applies when two or more individuals engage in sexual intercourse with a person who is unable to resist.

SM Entertainment, Taeil's agency, announced his departure from the group and the termination of his exclusive contract. Despite being accused of sexual assault, Taeil participated in preparations for NCT 127's comeback and attended the group's 8th-anniversary fan meeting. As controversy arose among fans, SM explained, "We first became aware of the accusation in mid-August." Taeil has not provided any explanation or apology and has since made his social media accounts private, effectively disappearing from the public eye.

Taeil debuted in 2016 as part of NCT's first unit, NCT U, and served as the eldest member and main vocalist of NCT 127.