SEOUL, South Korea. Taeil, a prominent member of the popular K-pop group NCT, has officially exited the group following serious allegations of involvement in an unspecified sexual crime. The news was confirmed on Wednesday by SM Entertainment, the label managing NCT.
In an official statement released on X, SM Entertainment announced that Taeil would no longer be part of the boy band due to his involvement in an ongoing criminal investigation. The label stated, “We recognized the seriousness of the issue, and we have decided that Taeil can no longer continue team activities. We have discussed this matter with Taeil, and it has been decided that he will leave the group.” The agency did not disclose the specific nature of the alleged crime but emphasized that Taeil is fully cooperating with the police.
Taeil, who joined NCT (Neo Culture Technology) when the group debuted in 2016, was most recently active in the subunit NCT 127. NCT has gained international fame for its innovative music that spans various genres and has seen several of its releases chart on Billboard lists.
The allegations against Taeil and the details of the criminal case have not been independently verified, and law enforcement authorities have declined to comment on the matter.
K-pop, a genre that blends elements of pop, R&B, and hip-hop with South Korean cultural influences, has become a global phenomenon, particularly after the worldwide success of boy bands like BTS in the late 2010s. Taeil’s departure marks a significant moment for NCT and its fanbase, as the group continues to navigate this challenging situation.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
