K-pop singer Taeil exits boy band NCT following accusations of sexual misconduct

South Korean singer Taeil has exited the K-pop band NCT following accusations of an unspecified sexual crime, according to a statement from his label, SM Entertainment.

The 30-year-old’s agency announced on X that Taeil, whose legal name is Moon Tae-il, will leave the group after being ‘accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime.’ While the label did not detail the nature of the allegations, it acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and decided Taeil could no longer ‘continue his activities with the team.’

Taeil has not yet addressed the accusations publicly.

SM Entertainment has stated that Taeil is fully cooperating with the police investigation into the sexual crime allegations. The label added that they will release further updates as the investigation unfolds. According to South Korean media, the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul is investigating Taeil, though the BBC could not obtain a comment from the police.

The Seoul Bangbae Police Station reported that a woman filed a sexual offence complaint against NCT member Taeil in June. SM Entertainment revealed on Thursday that they were informed of the criminal investigation in mid-August.

An SM Entertainment representative stated, "Both SM Entertainment and Taeil were notified of the criminal investigation in mid-August. Taeil was subsequently summoned for questioning on August 28 KST." The police had received the report in June but did not inform Taeil of the investigation until August.

Taeil was a member of NCT, a globally popular South Korean boy band that debuted in 2016, which includes subunits like NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT Wish. Recently, Taeil was active in NCT 127.

On August 15 of the previous year, Taeil was involved in a motorcycle accident in downtown Seoul, which led him to temporarily suspend his activities for treatment and recovery.

Known for their experimental music across various genres, NCT has received international acclaim, with some releases featuring on Billboard charts. K-pop, originating from South Korea and blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop, has become a global sensation, particularly following BTS’s success in the late 2010s.

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