Former NCT Member Taeil Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Assault

Taeil, a former member of the popular K-pop group NCT, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison on charges of aggravated sexual assault.

The Seoul Central District Court, under Judge Lee Hyun-kyung, found Taeil guilty of the charges and ordered his immediate detention, citing concerns of potential flight risk. The court stated, "Due to the nature of the sentence, there is a risk of flight, and thus a warrant for detention is issued."

Taeil's accomplices, identified as Mr. Lee and Mr. Hong, received the same sentence of three years and six months. Additionally, the court mandated that all three complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program.

The court highlighted the severity of the crime, noting, "The defendants took advantage of the victim's incapacitated state due to intoxication, which is a grave offense. The victim, being a foreign tourist, likely suffered significant mental distress from being assaulted in an unfamiliar environment."

Taeil, along with his friends Mr. Lee and Mr. Hong, was charged in March for the sexual assault of an intoxicated foreign woman. The incident reportedly occurred in June of the previous year, where they allegedly assaulted the woman while she was unable to resist. The charge of aggravated sexual assault applies when two or more individuals commit sexual acts against a person unable to resist.

Taeil debuted in 2016 with NCT's first unit, NCT U, and was known as the eldest member and main vocalist of NCT 127. He was expelled from the group and his agency, SM Entertainment, after the allegations surfaced in August of last year.

Reported by Ji-won Kim, Ten Asia, one@tenasia.co.kr