Taeil is no longer part of NCT, with SM Entertainment announcing Wednesday (Aug. 28) that the 30-year-old K-pop idol has left the group following an accusation of an unspecified sex crime.
According to the Associated Press‘ English translation of a Korean statement posted to SM’s X, the label wrote, “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,” it continued, adding that the singer is fully cooperating with the police investigation.
No further details about the nature of his alleged crime have been released. AP reports that police declined to comment on the matter.
Billboard has reached out to NCT’s reps for comment.
Taeil was part of both NCT and the sub-group NCT 127, which released its sixth studio album WALK in July. His activity in the acts had been limited over the past year as he recovered from a serious motorcycle accident in August 2023, which required him to have surgery and take a hiatus in order to focus on his rehabilitation. In October, SM Entertainment released an update saying that the performer still needed “sufficient treatment and stability” after the procedure, confirming he would not be able to participate in NCT 127’s Neo City – The Unity Tour that kicked off in November.
The South Korean star’s departure comes nearly two months after two other NCT 127 members — Johnny and Haechan — were accused online of being involved in a sex scandal, which SM strongly denied. The label also threatened legal action against social media accounts that circulated the rumors, stating at the time, “We have already gathered sufficient evidence regarding numerous posts related to these matters … we will not overlook such criminal acts and will take legal action against those involved without leniency or settlement, regardless of their nationality.”
See SM’s statement about Taeil below.
First appeared on www.billboard.com