[MEGATHREAD] Taeil's criminal charges and departure from NCT
!TW : sexual assault
All updates about the case will be included in this megathread.
TIMELINE:
240828
SM Entertainment announces that a criminal case was filed against TAEIL and his departure from NCT:
This is SM Entertainment.
We have recently confirmed that Taeil has been implicated in a criminal case related to sexual crimes. While looking into the situation, we recognized that the issue is very serious, and we have decided that Taeil could no longer continue team activities. We have discussed this matter with Taeil and it has been decided he will be removed from the group.
Currently, Taeil is faithfully cooperating with the police investigation. We will share additional statements as the investigation progresses.
We deeply apologize for the controversy caused by our artist.
- source: SMTOWNGLOBAL Twitter/X
- translation: NCT Discord / SM_NCT / Soompi
- Korea JoongAng Daily: his contract with SM has not yet been terminated
240829
Seoul Bangbae Police Station shares info about the investigation:
It was revealed that Taeil, ex-member of the group NCT, was accused this past June of having committed a sex crime.
Newsen article / Daum (1) / Daum (2) / transl. 127Central / balloon_wanted / Soompi
SM's statement:
Other press
- BBC: K-pop singer leaves boy band over sexual crime accusation
- NY Mag / Vulture: What to Know About Taeil’s Sex-Crime Allegations
240913
Seoul Bangbae Police Station announced that the case was forwarded to prosecution without detention the day before (Sept 12th). The case was assigned to the Women and Children's Crime Investigation Division at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Kim Ji-hye).
A police official said, "We can't talk about the details of the investigation, because it could identify the [victim]" / "The specific charges and number of victims cannot be disclosed." It was also confirmed that "Taeil was not using drugs at the time of the crime."
Sources: MBN news / Yonhap News / Xportsnews / E Daily / Korea JoongAng Daily (Eng)
241007
Content Warning: A new Chosun Ilbo report allegedly confirms Taeil was investigated for "quasi-rape", which is terminology used for sexual assaults happening under special circumstances, like the presence of a weapon or when the victim is unable to consent due to incapacitation / inebriation / etc. The report claims the victim in this case was under the influence of alcohol (unable to consent) and that two other individuals were involved in the assault. It was stated that the others involved were not famous or public figures.
Source: Chosun Daily / Soompi
241016
SM Entertainment terminates Taeil's exclusive contract as of October 15, 2024:
Taeil is currently under investigation by the prosecution for a criminal case. This not only constitutes grounds for termination under our contract but also makes it impossible to maintain trust in him as an artist. As a result, both parties have mutually agreed to terminate the contract.
We sincerely apologize once again for any concern caused by Taeil, who was previously one of our artists.
SMTOWNGLOBAL Twitter/X / Soompi
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UPDATE: Our community members have also organized a donation drive - Charity Initiatives for Women in SK!