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Former NCT member Taeil admits to special quasi-rape charges
Indiatimes | June 18, 2025 4:39 PM CST

Trigger warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual assault and legal proceedings related to aggravated quasi-rape. Reader discretion is advised.

Former NCT member Moon Tae Il, professionally known as Taeil, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on June 18 at 11 AM KST for his first trial related to charges of special quasi-rape. This marked the first major legal update in his case since the allegations surfaced, with the session originally delayed from its initial May 12 schedule. Now, it has been revealed that Taeil admitted to all charges outlined in the indictment.

Taeil appeared in court wearing modest black attire, accompanied by the two other defendants. When asked about his current situation, he said, "I used to be a singer but was expelled from my agency. I'm now working part-time." His lawyer further explained, "He is supporting himself by assisting at a restaurant owned by an acquaintance."

When did Taeil commit the crime?

Reports allege that Taeil committed the crime on June 13, 2024, and then appeared on a live broadcast the following day—his birthday, June 14—interacting with fans as if nothing had happened.

During the first trial, the prosecution detailed the events leading to the charges against Taeil and two other individuals. According to the indictment: "The three defendants, who are known to be friends, met the victim at a bar in Itaewon around 2:33 AM on June 13. After consuming alcohol together, they took the victim—who was heavily intoxicated and unconscious—into a taxi and transported her to one of the defendants' residences in Bangbae-dong. Between approximately 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM, the three are accused of jointly sexually assaulting the victim while she was in an incapacitated state."

Admission of guilt and plea for leniency

During the hearing, Taeil admitted to all charges outlined in the indictment. He stands accused of participating in the sexual assault of an intoxicated and unresponsive woman, alongside two other individuals. 

The charge falls under the category of aggravated quasi-rape as defined by the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. While Taeil's legal team confirmed the facts of the case, they appealed to the court for leniency in sentencing. 

While acknowledging the charges outlined in the indictment, Taeil's legal team appealed for leniency, stating: "We voluntarily submitted a letter of surrender to the police. After considerable effort, we reached a settlement with the victim, who is Chinese, and obtained a statement indicating that she does not wish for punishment to be pursued."

After all three defendants, including Taeil, admitted to the charges, the prosecution requested a seven-year prison sentence for each.

Public express outrage and disgust

In the lead-up to the trial, some fans still continued to express support for the singer online as they wanted to hear it directly from the former SM Entertainment idol. However, public sentiment has shifted significantly following his admission. 

Social media platforms, especially X (formerly known as Twitter) have been flooded with reactions ranging from shock to disgust, with many calling for a strict and fair sentence.

One said, "So Taeil did Instagram live after raping someone the previous day, that's insane."

Another said, "And as if that wasn't bad enough it's what he said During that live he was acting like a victim getting pitied like words can't describe how disgusting he is."

One wrote, "Going on live after you intoxicated someone and took advantage of her is so f**king disgusting...I hope you serve the longest time in jail Taeil."

Another wrote, "I'm still disgusted that after doing all this, he proceeded to hop on Instagram live for his birthday and smile in all of our fucking faces. Taeil, you may not rot in prison like you deserve but you will rot in hell you disgusting piece of shit. fuck you and your fucking friends."

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