Taeil leaves NCT after allegations of sexual offenses

NCT's Taeil has left the K-pop group following unspecified allegations of a sex crime.

According to a statement from SM Entertainment, the South Korean agency that manages NCT and its sub-units (including NCT 127, of which Taeil was a member), his departure came after it was revealed that he was “charged in a criminal case related to a sex crime.”

“We have recognized the seriousness of the issue and decided that Taeil can no longer continue team activities,” the statement continued. “We discussed this matter with Taeil and it has been decided that he will leave the group.”

SM Entertainment added that Taeil is cooperating with the police investigation. The singer debuted with NCT under SM Entertainment in 2016, initially appearing in the lineup of NCT U before joining NCT 127.

According to Seoul-based publication JoongAng Daily, Taeil's contract with SM Entertainment has not yet been terminated despite his sudden departure from NCT.

SM. pic.twitter.com/28XapiFuOk

— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) 28 August 2024