Former NCT Member Taeyil Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Assault

On July 10, 2025, Taeyil, a former member of the K-pop group NCT, was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison after being found guilty of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (specifically, aggravated rape). The Seoul Central District Court also mandated that he complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program, have his personal information disclosed, and face a five-year employment ban in institutions related to children and the disabled.

The court stated that due to the nature of the crime and the possibility of flight, they issued a detention order.

Taeyil, along with two friends, was accused of intoxicating a Chinese woman they met at a bar in Itaewon, Seoul, on June 13, 2024, and subsequently sexually assaulting her at their residence in Bangbae-dong while she was unconscious.

As a result of these charges, Taeyil was expelled from NCT and his contract with SM Entertainment was terminated. The agency confirmed that they recognized the severity of the situation and decided that he could no longer continue with team activities.

During the first court hearing on June 18, the three defendants admitted to their charges. Taeyil expressed remorse, stating, "I am deeply sorry to everyone I have disappointed. If given a chance, I will do my best to contribute positively to society."

The prosecution argued that the defendants had attempted to mislead the victim by sending her to a different location in a taxi to prevent her from remembering the crime scene, highlighting doubts about their sincerity in repenting for their actions. They requested a seven-year prison sentence.