Ex-NCT member Taeil sentenced to 3.5 years in prison days after pleading guilty of rape charges

Taeil sentenced to prison

Former NCT member Taeil, who admitted to being guilty of rape a few days ago, has now been sentenced to 3.5 years in jail on charges of sexual crime. On Thursday, July 10, the 31-year-old K-pop singer was taken into custody after the prison term was announced. The verdict comes days after Taeil aka Moon Tae-Il pleaded guilty to 'aggravated' rape charges in court. During the recent first trial, which took place more than a year after he was held accused, the prosecutors reportedly demanded a seven-year prison sentence for him.

Former NCT member Taeil faces prison

The 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court held the first trial sentencing hearing for Taeil along with two others. Korean media channels reported that the singer was immediately taken into custody after the court's verdict to send all three defendants to prison.

According to the court's judgement, the three will have to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program, wherein their personal information will be publicly disclosed. Additionally, they will be barred from working in child-and youth-related institutions for five years. The court noted, "Since a prison sentence is being imposed, we judge there is a risk of flight and have issued an arrest warrant."

However, netizens seemed to be unhappy with the jail term. Many users on the internet demanded a longer sentence. One disappointed user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "he deserves a lifetime sentence already." Another user noted, "What an embarrassment to his fandom and group ,, I can't believe I listened to NCT just for him I was his biggest fan … plz don't put his face like this again it makes me want to throw up." (sic)

About the case

Taeil, along with his friends and the other defendants, was at an Itaewon bar on June 13, 2024. After drinking together, at around 2:33 am, the defendants dragged the victim into a taxi, following which they took her to one of the defendants' residences located in the Bangbae district of Seoul. According to reports, between 4:00 am to 4:30 am, the group committed non-consensual sexual acts while the victim was unconscious.

Notably, Taeil had earlier issued an apology and tried to reach a settlement with the victim, requesting leniency in court. However, the court noted that the crime was too serious to avoid jail. Following the accusation, SM Entertainment terminated Taeil's exclusive contract in October 2024.