Warning: Mentions of Sexual Assault.
Former NCT member Taeil has just had his contract with SM Entertainment officially terminated.
The K-pop powerhouse label and agency shared an official statement across all its platforms on October 16, 2024, confirming the news for both concerned fans and the general public. Check out the full statement that they shared below:
“This is SM Entertainment.
We would like to inform you that our exclusive contract with Taeil has been terminated as of October 15, 2024.
Taeil is currently under investigation by the prosecution for a criminal case. This not only constitutes grounds for termination under our contract but also makes it impossible to maintain trust in him as an artist. As a result, both parties have mutually agreed to terminate the contract.
We sincerely apologize once again for any concern caused by Taeil, who was previously one of our artists.”
Earlier this month, it was revealed by Korean news publication, Cholson Ilbo, that the former NCT idol is currently being investigated under the suspicion of aggravated quasi-rape for an offense allegedly committed with two of his acquaintances against an intoxicated woman. According to the report, after the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul investigated Taeil, he was eventually transferred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office on September 12, 2024. In response to the publication’s report on Taeil’s specific charges, SM Entertainment mentioned, “It is difficult to comment as the matter is currently under investigation.”
Late this August, Taeil was removed from NCT as soon as the news broke with regard to his involvement in unspecified sexual crimes. The label was the one who broke the news to the public, sharing an official statement that briefed the public on the severity of the situation and how they took immediate action to such allegations.
Taeil first debuted as a member of NCT, NCT U, and its most popular sub-unit, NCT 127, having been active with the group since their pre-debut training team in 2015. Beyond his work with NCT, he has also contributed to various Korean soundtracks — including those of Twenty-Five, Twenty-One, Missing Crown Prince, and Love To Hate You, among several others.