Moon Tae-il also known as Taeil, a former member of NCT, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison after losing his appeal in a sexual assault case involving an intoxicated foreign tourist.
On October 17, 2025, the Seoul High Court upheld the lower court’s ruling, rejecting both the prosecution’s and the defendant’s appeals. Taeil was convicted for special quasi-rape, alongside two accomplices identified only as Lee and Hong, who each received the same prison term.
According to the court, while the defendants claimed their sentences were excessive, the panel ruled otherwise, stating, “Although the defendants turned themselves in, there is insufficient evidence that they did so out of genuine remorse.
Therefore, leniency for voluntary surrender does not apply in this case.” The court added that the original ruling “fell within the lower end of the recommended sentencing range of three years and six months to six years.”
During his final statement, Taeil appeared in prison attire and expressed remorse: “I admit all of my wrongdoing and deeply regret my actions. Seeing my family fall apart made me realize how grave my mistakes were. I will live the rest of my life atoning to the victim.”
His two co-defendants also asked the court for leniency. The incident took place in June 2024, when Taeil and his accomplices sexually assaulted a foreign national woman who was heavily intoxicated after a night of drinking.
Taeil debuted in 2016 as part of NCT, performing in its sub-units NCT U and NCT 127 under SM Entertainment. Following news of his sexual assault charges, SM terminated his exclusive contract in October last year, cutting all ties with the artist.
Post a Comment