A controversy broke out after SM ENTERTAINMENT sold the personal clothing of former member TAEIL during the NCT flea market.
On September 6th, NCT’s agency, SM ENTERTAINMENT, organized the NCT flea market and sold personal items received from the members. The problem was that among these personal items was clothing from former member TAEIL, who was expelled.
During this event, a fan who purchased an item of clothing belonging to TAEIL revealed this fact by publishing an article titled “Highlighting the NCT flea market”.
The fan emphasized: “What do they plan to do by selling the clothes of a rapist who left the group? What fan would want to buy the clothes of a criminal? I am going to file an official complaint with SM. Even if it is a flea market, how can they sell the clothes of a criminal?”
After learning that it was an item of clothing belonging to TAEIL, she obtained a refund from SM ENTERTAINMENT and expressed her dissatisfaction by saying: “I barely managed to get an apology by insisting. I did not even get compensation.”
Previously, in June 2024, TAEIL had been suspected of having sexually assaulted an intoxicated woman with acquaintances. On this, SM ENTERTAINMENT quickly parted ways with him, stating: “The exclusive contract with TAEIL has been terminated effective October 15, 2024. TAEIL is currently under investigation by the prosecution for a criminal case, which constitutes grounds for termination of the exclusive contract. Unable to maintain trust any longer, we took this decision by mutual agreement.”
Subsequently, TAEIL was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, as well as a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and a five-year employment restriction in institutions for children, adolescents, and disabled persons.
As the clothing of TAEIL, cataloged as a sex offender, appeared at the flea market, criticisms mounted against SM ENTERTAINMENT for failing to carry out proper verification.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS NCT, online community
