In a shocking turn of events, SM Entertainment has announced that Taeil, a prominent member of the popular K-pop group NCT, has been removed from the group following his implication in a serious criminal case related to sexual crimes. The news was confirmed by the agency on August 28th, sparking widespread concern and disappointment among fans and the general public.
Moon Tae-il during the We Are Superhuman press conference
According to SM Entertainment, the decision to remove Taeil from NCT was made after careful consideration of the severity of the allegations against him. The agency released a statement on their official social media accounts, stating, "We have recently confirmed that Taeil was implicated in a criminal case related to sexual crimes. After assessing the situation, we recognized the gravity of the matter and concluded that he could no longer continue team activities. After discussing the issue with Taeil, we decided on his withdrawal from the group."
SM엔터테인먼트입니다. pic.twitter.com/28XapiFuOk
— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) August 28, 2024
The agency also confirmed that Taeil is fully cooperating with the ongoing police investigation. SM Entertainment expressed their regret over the situation, adding, "We deeply apologize for the controversy caused by our artist. We will provide further updates as the investigation progresses."
Taeil, who debuted as a member of NCT U in 2016, has been an integral part of NCT and its sub-unit, NCT 127. His sudden departure from the group marks a significant moment in his career and raises concerns about the future of NCT as a whole.
The announcement has triggered a strong reaction from netizens, with many expressing shock and disappointment. Comments such as, "This is unprecedented," and "NCT's entire brand image has taken a hit," reflect the widespread impact of the news on the group's reputation. Some fans have even called for a complete erasure of Taeil's presence from NCT's history.
As the investigation continues, the K-pop industry and fans alike are left to grapple with the implications of this serious allegation. SM Entertainment's swift action in addressing the matter underscores the gravity of the situation, but it also raises questions about how such incidents will affect the future of idols and their careers.