K-pop performer Taeil has left the boyband NCT after he was accused of a sexual offense. His agency, SM Entertainment, released a statement that Taeil would leave the group after he was “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime,” The Associated Press reported. The specifics of the allegations were not shared.
His removal is effective immediately, Billboard Philippines reported.
Taeil is cooperating with police, NME reported.
The singer joined NCT in 2016 and was part of the sub-groups NCT 127 and NCT U, Billboard Philippines reported. He is the fourth member to leave NCT. Sungchan and Shotaro left in 2023 to join the group RIIZE while Lucas Wong left the same year after a long break from the band.
Two other members had been accused in a sex scandal which SM Entertainment denied, calling the allegations “entirely untrue.”
SM Entertainment, the agency responsible for managing NCT, posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying that Taeil would be leaving the group. It read, in part, that the “severity of the situation” prompted the company to “determine that Taeil can no longer continue his activities with the team.”
SM Entertainment’s statement garnered over 45.7 million views in less than three hours.
While SM Entertainment confirmed Taeil's cooperation with the police, the company did not elaborate on the nature of the sexual offense allegation.
Taeil's Contributions to NCT
Taeil joined NCT in 2016, playing a prominent role in the group's rise to global fame. He has been a member of two of NCT's most popular sub-units: NCT 127 and NCT U.
NCT 127 has gained widespread recognition for its music, with several albums charting on the Billboard 200. The group has also been active in releasing numerous music videos that have garnered millions of views online.
The Impact on NCT
Taeil's departure is a significant event for NCT. He was a core member of the group, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans. The situation has raised concerns about the group’s future. This is the second time this year that NCT has been rocked by controversy regarding allegations of sexual misconduct.
K-Pop's Troubling Past
The recent allegations against Taeil come at a time when K-pop is facing increasing scrutiny over its handling of sexual misconduct. The entertainment industry in South Korea, especially the K-pop industry, has been plagued with scandals and allegations.
The allegations against Taeil, and the subsequent investigation, will undoubtedly have a major impact on his career and on the K-pop industry as a whole.
Moving Forward: A New Era for NCT?
The incident involving Taeil raises important questions about accountability and transparency in the K-pop industry. This is an industry where idols are often seen as untouchable and fans hold their idols to a high standard. While the situation is evolving, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the group and the industry.
Despite the challenges, fans remain hopeful for the future of NCT. They are confident that the group will overcome this setback and continue to produce music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The future of NCT and its remaining members is uncertain, and only time will tell how this incident will shape their career trajectories.
A Call for Transparency
This incident, along with previous scandals, highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the K-pop industry. Fans and critics are calling on entertainment agencies to take a more proactive approach to addressing allegations of sexual misconduct. They are also demanding that agencies prioritize the well-being of their artists, and that they take steps to prevent future incidents from occurring.
It remains to be seen how the K-pop industry will respond to this latest controversy. However, it is clear that the industry is at a crossroads. It needs to address the issue of sexual misconduct head-on and make meaningful changes to ensure that its artists are protected.
