Former NCT member Taeil may soon be sentenced to prison. On Wednesday, prosecutors asked the court to give him and two other men seven years in jail. They are accused of raping a drunk tourist in Seoul last year.
The sentencing is set for July 10 at 2 p.m. This took place at the Seoul Central District Court. The prosecutors also requested extra penalties. They asked for a 10-year job ban involving minors, a treatment program, and public release of personal info. All three men have admitted to the crime. In court, when asked if he accepted the charges, Taeil replied, “I admit to all the charges.”
The woman they assaulted is a tourist from China. The attack happened in June last year at 4 a.m., inside a house in Bangbae-dong, Seoul.
What Happened That Night
According to reports, Taeil and the other two met the woman at a bar in Itaewon. It was around 2:30 a.m. She became too drunk to walk. They took her in a taxi to one of the men’s homes. That’s where they sexually assaulted her.
After the assault, they moved her again. They dropped her off in a different area and put her in another cab. Text messages show they tried to make it look like she had never been to the house. One of the men even told the other to make sure she left from a different place. Prosecutors said they clearly targeted her because she was a foreigner. They believe the men tried to confuse her, so she wouldn’t remember where it happened.
The case was handled by the Bangbae Police Station. It took police about two months to find the suspects. They used CCTV and witness interviews. They also got search warrants for the homes of all three. The men later submitted written confessions. But prosecutors said these did not count as voluntary. They think the men only confessed after realizing they were caught.
Reactions to the Case of Taeil NCT Crime
Many people think the requested sentence is too light. Some are shocked that the court might only give seven years. One commenter said this man deserves life in prison. Another person wrote that they doubt Taeil will even get the full seven years.
There’s also concern about how the justice system handles cases like this. Some compared it to the Burning Sun scandal, where celebrities got reduced sentences. One user said Korea’s court system is even worse than their own country.
Someone else pointed out that Taeil may have submitted a statement asking for leniency. That often happens when there’s a private settlement with the victim. Some called the act evil and said they believed it was planned. Others were angry at the idea of it being called “accidental.” Many believe this could not have been a one-time thing.
Taeil’s Statement and Legal Status of Taeil NCT Crime
In court, Taeil said he regrets what happened. He apologized to the victim and to fans. He said if he gets another chance, he wants to do better in life. His lawyer said Taeil had no plan to commit the crime and thought they were just going to drink more. But prosecutors don’t agree. They said nothing about the situation looked like an accident. They questioned why anyone would take a drunk stranger to a house at 2 a.m. if nothing was planned.
Taeil was officially charged on February 28. The charge is “special quasi-r*pe.” This means a group attack or one involving someone who cannot fight back.
Taeil’s Idol Past Ends in Scandal
Taeil was part of NCT, a popular K-pop group. He debuted in 2016 under SM Entertainment. He was active in subunits NCT U and NCT 127. After the allegations came out, SM ended his contract in October 2024. Fans were heartbroken and furious. One fan, who once supported him, said they now feel disgusted. Many called him “evil” and “vile.” Some said he does not deserve a second chance.
This case has shaken K-pop fans and the public. The crime was serious. The victim was unable to defend herself. Many believe justice should be much stronger. People are watching closely. They want to see if the court will deliver a fair sentence. The Taeil NCT sexual assault case sentencing update will remain a major topic in South Korea, especially as the hearing date gets closer.
Whether Taeil gets seven years, less, or more, this case has left a mark. For many, it’s not just about one man. It’s about whether the legal system truly protects victims, especially those who are vulnerable or foreign. More updates will follow after the court gives its final ruling on July 10.
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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