Taeil's sex crime 'not against minor or male,' according to police

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Taeil's sex crime 'not against minor or male,' according to police

Published: 29 Aug. 2024, 07:06 Updated: 29 Aug. 2024, 13:32

YOON SO-YEON
yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr

Taeil, a former member of boy band NCT [SM ENTERTAINMENT]

Former NCT member Taeil's sex assault was "not against a minor or male," police said Wednesday.

Taeil, a 30-year-old member of boy band NCT whose real name is Moon Tae-il, is being investigated for sexual assault at the Seoul Bangbae Police Station in southern Seoul, according to a report by the Chosun Ilbo.

The police did not detail down on his offense because the spokesperson was "at home and does not have access to the files," according to the report.

Taeil's agency SM Entertainment announced Wednesday evening that he quit NCT after being reported to the police for a sex crime.

The decision came after the agency made aware of "the gravity of the case," although the company did not elaborate further because it is an ongoing criminal case.

SM Entertainment's statement regarding Taeil [SM ENTERTAINMENT]

Taeil's contract with SM Entertainment still stands.

The police comment came after rumors arose surrounding Taeil's offenses. Some online posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, alleged that Taeil assaulted an 11-year-old girl while others claimed that it was against a younger boy, but the police clarified that it was neither.

A signing event for NCT's Jaehyun, scheduled for Thursday, was canceled on Wednesday evening, according to social media posts.

Taeil debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT's subgroup NCT U. He took time off from group activities last year after suffering an injury to his right thigh from a traffic accident on Aug. 15, 2023.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]