NCT's Taeil Will Spend the Rest of His Life atoning for His Sins, Requests for Sentence Reduction

Kapanlagi.com - Former NCT member, Taeil, reappears in the appeal trial regarding the sexual criminal case against him. He, along with three other defendants, underwent the first appeal hearing at the Seoul High Court on Tuesday (17/9/2025).

Here is the content of the first appeal hearing for Taeil and the other defendants. Also read news about Taeil's case on Liputan6.com, if not now, when else?

1. The Prosecutor's Demands Remain Unchanged

In the hearing, the prosecutor continues to demand a seven-year prison sentence, the same as the verdict in the first trial. The prosecutor emphasized, "Considering how heinous and serious this crime is, the punishment in the initial ruling is too light."

2. Taeil Submits Reflection Letter

(credit: MHNews)

Before the hearing, Taeil and another defendant with the surname Hong had submitted self-reflection letters and requests for leniency. Taeil, who appeared in a brown prison uniform, was seen bowing his head in front of several fans who came to the courtroom, as a sign of remorse.

3. Taeil's Legal Counsel Requests Leniency

(credit: MHNews)

The legal counsel acknowledged the mistakes of their client but deemed the sentence imposed as too harsh. "He has lived sincerely all this time, but his actions occurred suddenly. He is aware of his mistakes and continues to maintain a good relationship with his family. This is important in his life and serves as a guarantee that he will not repeat those actions," said Taeil's lawyer.

4. Other Statement from Taeil's Lawyer

(credit: Joynews 24)

Taeil's lawyer added, "Since he was young, he has been a public figure, working without major issues. He has no criminal record. He has also consistently volunteered for charitable activities, and even people who know him have submitted requests for leniency in his sentence."

5. Describes Unplanned Actions

(credit: StarNews)

Furthermore, the legal representative explained the chronology of the case. "It happened after he drank with the victim and moved to his residence. He wanted to drink more, and his actions were not premeditated," he explained. He also mentioned Taeil's financial condition and his family's worsening situation due to this case as reasons for requesting leniency.

6. Redemption of Sins

(credit: Joynews24)

In his final statement before the panel of judges, Taeil expressed a direct apology. "I acknowledge my mistakes and regret them. I know that the wounds suffered by the victim cannot be healed by my words or any actions. I sincerely apologize."

He bowed his head again and continued, "It was a reckless and foolish act. I apologize for causing irreparable harm, and I will spend the rest of my life seeking redemption."

7. Feeling Guilty Towards the Victim and Family

(credit: StarNews)

Taeil also added, "Seeing the victim's life and the family around them destroyed because of my actions, I realize how wrong my actions were. I will spend the rest of my life atoning for my mistakes, I will never commit a crime again, and I will live righteously and honestly."

8. Final Verdict Next Month

(credit: StarNews)

The hearing was closed after the other defendants expressed their statements of regret. A family member of one of the defendants was even seen crying in the courtroom while pleading for leniency from the judges.

The final verdict for Taeil and the other defendants is scheduled to be read on October 17.

(kpl/pit)