Was NCT Taeil's sexual assault case “covered up” for nearly two months? This is what his agency SM Entertainment said

What did Taeil's agency say

A statement from an SM Entertainment representative said, “Both SM Entertainment and Taeil were informed of the criminal investigation in mid-August. Taeil was then summoned for questioning on August 28 (KST).” According to the report, police received the criminal report in June. However, they “did not inform the suspect of the investigation until August.”

Why did Taeil leave NCT?

Taeil left NCT after being accused of an unspecified sex crime, his label said on Wednesday. His agency, SM Entertainment, released a statement on X, saying the NCT member would leave the boy band after learning he was accused of “a criminal case involving a sex crime.” The label did not elaborate on the nature of the crime.

“We have realized the seriousness of the issue and have decided that Taeil can no longer continue with the team's activities. We have discussed this matter with Taeil and it has been decided that he will leave the group,” the label said. The label added that it is fully cooperating with the police investigation.

About Taeil and NCT

Taeil was part of NCT (Neo Culture Technology), a globally known South Korean group that debuted in 2016. The group currently has over two dozen members divided into several subgroups, including NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT Wish. Taeil was most recently active in NCT 127. The group is known for experimental music of various genres and has gained international attention with several releases that have entered the Billboard charts.

Originating in South Korea, K-pop is a mix of Western pop, R&B and hip hop sounds that blends cultural elements of the country. It has become a global phenomenon, especially following the success of boy band BTS in the late 2010s.

with AP inputs