South Korean pop star Taeil has exited the K-pop group NCT following allegations of involvement in an unspecified sexual crime, according to an announcement by his record label, SM Entertainment.
The label issued a statement on social media platform X, confirming that the 30-year-old singer, real name Moon Tae-il, is no longer a member of the popular boy band after being implicated in a criminal case related to a sexual offense. The nature of the alleged crime has not been disclosed by the label.
SM Entertainment emphasized the seriousness of the situation and stated that after discussing the matter with Taeil, it was mutually agreed that he would step down from all group activities.
The label assured fans and the public that Taeil is fully cooperating with the ongoing police investigation. His departure from NCT marks a significant change for the group, which has gained a substantial global following since its debut.
NCT, short for Neo Culture Technology, made their debut in 2016 and quickly rose to international fame with a unique concept involving a large number of members divided into various sub-units, such as NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT Wish.
Taeil was an active member of NCT 127, one of the group’s most prominent sub-units, until his recent exit. The group’s versatility in music genres and dynamic performances have contributed to their widespread popularity, making this news particularly impactful for their fanbase.
The announcement of Taeil’s departure has drawn significant attention, with SM Entertainment’s statement receiving over 45.7 million views within just a few hours.
This development comes amidst the global rise of K-pop, a genre that originated in South Korea in the 1990s and has since become a cultural phenomenon, especially after the worldwide success of groups like BTS.
As the investigation unfolds, the management representing NCT 127 has been contacted for further comment.
