Former NCT member Taeil was sentenced to three and a half years in prison today and was immediately taken into custody after a court found him guilty of sexual assault. The Seoul Central District Court convicted the singer and two accomplices on charges of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman.
His co-defendants received the same prison sentence. In addition to the prison term, Taeil was ordered to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program. The court also mandated that his personal information be publicly disclosed and barred him from working with children and adolescents for five years.
Taeil, who had been free during the trial, was arrested in the courtroom following the verdict. “A prison sentence has been handed down, and we believe there is a risk of flight,” the court stated in its reasoning for the immediate detention. The sentence comes after prosecutors had initially sought a seven-year term for Taeil and his accomplices.
The charges stemmed from an incident in June 2023, where the three men were accused of sexually assaulting a woman who was unable to consent due to intoxication. Under South Korean law, this is defined as “special quasi-rape,” which applies to cases of gang rape or sexual assault involving a weapon against an incapacitated person.
Despite being under investigation, Taeil continued his professional activities, including participating in an NCT 127 fan event in August 2023. His management agency, SM Entertainment, stated they were unaware of the allegations until that same month.
The company terminated its contract with the singer in October 2024, citing a breach of trust. On the day of the sentencing, Taeil appeared in court dressed in all black. A number of individuals believed to be his fans were present in the courtroom to witness the proceedings.
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