NCT’s Taeil Exits K-Pop Group Following Sex Crime Allegations, Label Confirms
Thania Garcia SM Entertainment — the K-pop agency home to NCT, Aespa, Riize and more — has announced a member of NCT has been removed from the band following an accusation of an unspecified sexual abuse. In a statement uploaded to X, SM Entertainment said 30-year-old Taeli had been “accused in a criminal case in relation to a sexual crime.” A spokesperson for the agency told Variety, “While assessing the facts related to this matter, we recognized the severity of the issue and determined that he can no longer continue team activities. After discussing with Taeil, it’s been decided that he will withdraw from the team.” The agency continued by stating Taeil was “fully cooperating” with an ongoing police investigation, and apologized “for the controversy caused by our artist.” NCT is the original entity of the NCT universe, SM Entertainment’s approach to a multi-part boy-band project.