NCT's Taeil Accused For Alleged Quasi-Rape Of Drunk Woman With Two Acquaintances

Former NCT member Tae-il, who was previously announced to have left the group following serious sexual offense allegations, is now facing indictment for sexually assaulting a drunk woman together with two other men.

On the 7th of October, Chosun Ilbo reported that the 30-year-old idol, whose real name is Moon Tae-il, was investigated by the Bangbae Police Station on charges of special rape. The case was transferred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on the 12th of September and they are yet to summon Taeil.

According to the investigation, Moon was accused of sexually assaulting a drunk woman with two other acquaintances back in June. On August 28th, two months after the indictment, Moon was summoned for questioning. It has also been reported that Moon's two other acquaintances are not famous. After his appearance at the police station for questioning, his agency SM Entertainment released their official statement regarding the case.

We have confirmed that Tae-il has been accused of a criminal case related to a sexual crime. We recognized the seriousness of the matter and decided that he could no longer continue team activities, so we discussed it with Tae-il and he decided to leave the team. - SM Entertainment

A special rape case, or quasi-rape is when a person possesses a weapon, or two or more people work together to commit sexual intercourse with a person who is unconscious or incapable of resisting. If the charge is confirmed, Moon will be sentenced to at least 7 years in prison or life imprisonment, according to Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Special Act on the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes.

Moon Tae-il debuted in SM Entertainment's popular boy group NCT-U in April 2016 and is also a member of the sub-unit NCT 127. Following the rape case allegations and his withdrawal from the group, Tae-il has appeared in some of the group's schedules — he was present at NCT 127 's 8th Anniversary Fan Meeting at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium on August 3-4 and he also participated in the group's recently released full-length album.

Meanwhile, a representative from SM Entertainment spoke about Tae-il's special rape case allegations: It is difficult to comment on the matter because the case is currently under investigation.

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