SM Entertainment, the agency behind K-pop groups like NCT, Aespa, and Riize, has announced the removal of a member from NCT following allegations of sexual abuse.
In a statement shared on social media, the company revealed that 30-year-old Taeil is facing accusations related to a sexual crime. A representative for SM Entertainment stated, “While evaluating the facts of this situation, we acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and concluded that he could no longer participate in group activities. After discussions with Taeil, it has been decided that he will exit the group.”
The agency emphasized that Taeil is fully cooperating with the ongoing police investigation and expressed regret for the controversy caused by his actions.
NCT serves as the foundational group of the NCT universe, SM Entertainment’s multi-unit boy band project designed to have an increasing number of members. NCT’s lineup includes sub-units like NCT 127 and NCT Dream, with Taeil being part of the main NCT unit and the NCT 127 sub-unit.
Earlier this year, SM Entertainment had to address another scandal involving NCT members Johnny and Haechan, as well as Heechul from Super Junior, who faced allegations of involvement with bar hostesses. At that time, the agency denied these rumors.
NCT 127’s “Sticker – The Third Album” has achieved notable success, ranking as their highest-charting album in the United States, coming in at No. 3 in 2021 with 3.6 million streams, largely thanks to strategic sales of physical copies in various deluxe editions.