SM Entertainment, the agency representing popular K-pop groups such as NCT, Aespa, and Riize, has revealed that a member of NCT has been removed from the group following accusations of sexual abuse.
In a statement posted on X, the agency confirmed that 30-year-old Taeil has been “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime.” A representative from SM Entertainment informed Variety, “While evaluating the facts of the situation, we recognized the seriousness of the issue and determined that he can no longer participate in team activities. After discussions with Taeil, it was decided that he will withdraw from the group.”
The agency also noted that Taeil is “fully cooperating” with an ongoing police investigation and expressed regret for the disruption caused by the situation.
NCT is the original entity within the NCT universe, a concept from SM Entertainment aimed at creating a multi-part boy band. Designed to have an unlimited number of members, the NCT universe encompasses several sub-units, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream. Taeil was part of both the main NCT unit and the NCT 127 sub-unit.
Earlier this year, SM Entertainment addressed another prominent scandal involving NCT members Johnny and Haechan, along with Heechul from Super Junior. They faced allegations of involvement in sexual affairs with bar hostesses, which the agency denied at that time.
NCT 127’s album “Sticker – The Third Album” achieved significant success, ranking as their highest-charting and longest-running album in the United States. Debuting at No. 3 in 2021 with 3.6 million streams, it was the best-selling album of its launch week, influenced by the K-pop industry’s strategy of offering various deluxe physical packages.