The K-pop sensation NCT has officially parted ways with Taeil, one of its original members, following serious accusations against the singer.
The announcement was made by NCT’s label, SM Entertainment, through an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, August 28.
Following accusations against Taeil, one of NCT’s original members, the K-pop band has officially parted ways. NCT’s label, SM Entertainment, announced the announcement on Wednesday, August 28, via an official statement posted to X (previously Twitter).
According to the Ap’s translation of the Korean announcement, the 30-year-old musician is no longer with the group. According to the label’s publication, which has received over 90 million views, Taeil’s exit comes from accusations regarding a “sexual crime,” the label did not reveal the exact nature of the claimed misconduct.
In its statement, SM Entertainment emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that they have decided Taeil can no longer participate in group activities. “We recognized the seriousness of the issue, and we have decided that Taeil can no longer continue team activities,” the statement read. “We have discussed this matter with Taeil, and it has been decided that he will leave the group.
The label also stated that Taeil has begun working with a police investigation. However, the Associated Press stated that the details of Taeil’s criminal case and the alleged “sexual crime” could not be independently confirmed, and authorities declined to comment further.
Taeil was a founder member of NCT (Neo Culture Technology), which launched in 2016, he also contributed to the group’s sub-unit, NCT 127, and his unexpected exit marks a huge change for the successful boy band.
The news follows accusations made earlier this summer against two other NCT 127 members, Johnny and Haechan, who were allegedly involved in a sex scandal. SM Entertainment strongly disputed the charges and warned legal action against anyone who circulated what it called “false information.”
“We have already gathered sufficient evidence regarding numerous posts related to these matters,” SM Entertainment stated at the time, making it clear that they would pursue legal action “without leniency or settlement, regardless of nationality.”
Taeil’s departure followed a period of diminished activity at NCT. He missed the group’s Neo City – The Unity Tour, which began in November, due to injuries received in a terrible motorcycle accident in August.