TAEIL
Prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence for TAEIL, a former member of the group NCT, who is being prosecuted for rape.
On the morning of June 18, the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court held the first hearing in the trial of TAEIL and two other individuals. All three are charged with aggravated group sexual assault, under South Korea’s special law on sexual crimes.
TAEIL and the two co-defendants are suspected of gang-raping a woman they had randomly met in Itaewon, at their residence in Bangbae-dong, in June of last year.
The prosecution stated:
“The defendants gang-raped a foreign female tourist. This is an extremely serious case, and the nature of the crime is very severe.” The prosecution requested seven years in prison for each of the three men.
The prosecutor further added:
“Given the statements made by the defense, we seriously question whether the defendants are genuinely remorseful. While a settlement has been submitted to the court, we urge a harsh sentence considering the gravity of the offense.”
During the hearing, all three defendants admitted to the charges. TAEIL’s legal team emphasized that a settlement had been reached with the victim, stating:
“The victim accepted his apology and informed authorities that she does not wish for TAEIL to be punished. TAEIL deeply regrets his actions, has completed a sexual crime prevention program, undergone psychological counseling, and is determined never to repeat such a mistake.”
In his final statement, TAEIL said:
“I am truly sorry to everyone I have disappointed. If I am given leniency, I will consider it the last chance of my life, and I will do my best to contribute positively to society in any way I can.”
The court concluded the arguments that day and scheduled the verdict for July 10 at 2 PM KST.
To recall, TAEIL was indicted without detention this past March for allegedly raping an intoxicated foreign woman in June 2024. After the victim filed a report, he was summoned for police questioning in August. His former agency, SM Entertainment, announced his departure from the group and the termination of his contract, stating:
“Given the seriousness of the matter, we determined he could no longer continue his activities with the team.”
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SM Entertainment
