The first court hearing for former NCT member Taeil, who faces serious sexual assault charges, was held on Tuesday at the Seoul Central District Court. Taeil, alongside two co-defendants identified as Lee and Hong, is accused of participating in the group sexual assault of a foreign tourist last year.
The case is being heard by the 26th Criminal Division under Presiding Judge Lee Hyun-kyung. According to prosecutors, the alleged crime occurred in the early hours of June 13, 2024. Taeil and his co-defendants reportedly met the woman at a bar in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and after drinking with her, took her by taxi to a residence in Bangbae-dong, where they allegedly raped her while she was unconscious due to intoxication.
Prosecutors are seeking a seven-year prison sentence for each of the three defendants. They highlighted the severity of the case, describing it as “a grave incident involving group sexual assault of a foreign female tourist with extremely heinous criminal conduct.”
The prosecution submitted text message exchanges as evidence, in which the defendants appeared to discuss how to obscure the crime. One message reportedly read: “Take a taxi and get her out. Make it look like it happened somewhere else.”
“This case shows a calculated attempt to cover up a crime, exploiting the fact that the victim is a foreigner,” prosecutors said. They also questioned the sincerity of the defendants’ remorse, noting that they only submitted a document labeled as a “surrender” after being identified by police two months later.
Taeil’s legal team pleaded for leniency, stating that the former idol “deeply regrets his actions” and has expressed remorse during the investigation. His lawyers claimed that the victim accepted Taeil’s apology and requested leniency. Taeil reportedly completed a sexual offense prevention program and underwent psychological counseling.
In court, the defense emphasized Taeil’s difficult personal circumstances. They noted that his mother had to resign from her job due to the public fallout from the case, and Taeil is currently unemployed, assisting at a friend’s restaurant to make ends meet. “If granted leniency, he will treat it as the last opportunity in his life and will work to contribute to society,” his lawyer stated.
Taeil also addressed the court, bowing his head and apologizing: “I am sorry to everyone who feels disappointed.”
The former K-pop star was indicted without detention in March 2025. Following the charges, SM Entertainment terminated Taeil’s exclusive contract and removed him from NCT. Members of the group also unfollowed his social media accounts, signaling a complete disassociation.
The trial is ongoing, and the court is expected to deliver a verdict in the coming weeks.
