Taeil of NCT Sentenced to 3.5 Years in Prison for Rape Case Involving Foreign Tourist

The court stated that the defendants committed the act of rape at the residence of one of the perpetrators, taking advantage of the victim's condition who was unconscious due to the influence of alcohol.

In addition to prison sentences, Taeil and the other defendants are also required to complete 40 hours of education programs on sexual violence. They are also prohibited from working in institutions related to children and teenagers for five years.

During the trial, Taeil's lawyer requested a leniency in sentencing on the grounds that the artist had surrendered. However, the judge rejected the request because the surrender occurred after the search and seizure were carried out by the authorities.

Taeil appeared in the courtroom wearing a short-sleeved black t-shirt and long pants. He appeared silent when asked about the verdict handed down, and showed a serious expression when taken to custody. The hearing was also attended by about 20 fans who were believed to still support him.

Previously, this case occurred in June 2024 in the Itaewon area of Seoul. Taeil was charged with the rape of a foreign woman who passed out due to intoxication, along with several of his associates. In the previous hearing, the prosecutor demanded a 7-year prison sentence and requested that the personal information of the defendants be disclosed, as well as prohibiting them from certain jobs.

After this case was revealed, SM Entertainment, the agency representing Taeil, only issued an official statement some time later and ultimately terminated Taeil's exclusive contract in August 2024. Taeil was officially removed from NCT, the group that made his name famous.