SM Entertainment, the agency behind K-pop acts NCT, Aespa, and Riize, has confirmed that Taeil, a member of NCT, has been removed from the group following serious sexual abuse allegations.
In a statement posted on X, SM Entertainment revealed that the 30-year-old singer has been “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime.” A spokesperson for the agency told Variety that after reviewing the situation, they determined that Taeil could no longer participate in group activities. Following discussions with Taeil, it was mutually decided that he would withdraw from the group.
The statement further noted that Taeil is “fully cooperating” with the ongoing police investigation and expressed regret over the controversy caused by the situation.
NCT is a central part of SM Entertainment’s expansive K-pop project, known as the NCT universe, which includes sub-units such as NCT 127 and NCT Dream. Taeil was involved in both the main NCT unit and the NCT 127 sub-unit.
Earlier this year, SM Entertainment also addressed allegations involving NCT members Johnny and Haechan, along with Super Junior’s Heechul, who were rumored to be involved in inappropriate activities with bar hostesses. The agency denied those claims at the time.
NCT 127’s album “Sticker — The Third Album” remains their highest-charting release in the U.S., reaching No. 3 on the charts in 2021 and becoming a top seller thanks to various deluxe physical editions.
