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Seoul, South Korea, July 10, 2025 – Moon Tae-il, better known as Taeil and a former member of the K-pop group NCT, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison on Thursday for sexually assaulting a Chinese tourist. The verdict, issued by the Seoul Central District Court, has triggered widespread controversy, with many calling the punishment too light.
Taeil, 31, along with two non-celebrity accomplices, Mr. Lee and Mr. Hong, was found guilty of aggravated quasi-rape under South Korea’s sexual crime laws. The assault took place in June 2024 in Seoul’s Itaewon district. The group met the victim at a bar, and after she became intoxicated and unconscious, they took her to a private residence in Bangbae-dong, where the assault occurred.
The court labeled the crime “highly serious,” emphasizing the group nature of the attack and the victim’s vulnerability. Prosecutors had requested a seven-year sentence, but the judge reduced it to three and a half years, citing the defendants’ lack of prior criminal records and their admission of guilt. Additionally, Taeil and his accomplices must complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and are barred from jobs involving minors for five years.
Taeil debuted with NCT in 2016, performing with its subunits NCT U and NCT 127. He left the group in August 2024 after the allegations emerged, and his agency, SM Entertainment, ended his contract in October 2024, citing a breakdown in trust.
The ruling has sparked outrage among fans and the public, with many criticizing South Korea’s justice system for perceived leniency toward celebrities. Social media posts have called the sentence “insufficient” and expressed support for the victim, who faces lifelong trauma. One user commented, “This verdict undermines justice for survivors of sexual violence.”
In court, Taeil apologized, saying, “I sincerely regret my actions and the pain caused to the victim.” Despite his expressed remorse and attempts to reach a settlement, the court upheld the prison term.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability in the K-pop industry and the handling of sexual assault cases in South Korea, drawing global scrutiny as fans and advocates demand stricter consequences.
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