SM Entertainment Terminates Contract with NCT's Taeil Amidst Sex Crime Allegations
Oct 16, 2024
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On the 16th, SM stated, “We would like to inform you that our exclusive contract with Taeil has been terminated as of October 15, 2024.”
The company further explained, "Taeil is currently under investigation for a criminal complaint related to sex crimes. This not only constitutes grounds for termination under the terms of our contract but also has irreparably damaged the trust necessary for him to continue as an artist. As a result, we mutually agreed to terminate the contract."
SM also issued an apology, stating, “We deeply apologize for the concern caused by Taeil, who was our artist.”
On October 7th, Chosun Ilbo reported that Taeil had been accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman along with two acquaintances in June. It is known that none of the acquaintances involved were public figures.
Under South Korean law, special quasi-rape involves committing sexual acts with a person who is unable to resist due to physical or mental incapacity, often in the presence of multiple offenders or involving a weapon. If Taeil is convicted of these charges, he could face a minimum of seven years in prison or even life imprisonment, according to Article 4 (1) of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes.
Taeil was investigated by Bangbae Police Station in Seoul and was handed over to the prosecution on September 12th.
On August 28th, the day Taeil was summoned by police, SM Entertainment released a statement saying, “We recently confirmed that Taeil was accused in a criminal case related to sex crimes. After confirming the gravity of the issue, we determined that Taeil could no longer continue his team activities. Following discussions with him, we decided he would withdraw from the group." Following this announcement, NCT members demonstrated their disapproval by unfollowing Taeil on social media, an unusual move for the group.
Taeil debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT and participated in various units such as NCT 127 and NCT U. He had suspended his activities in August 2023 following a motorcycle accident but resumed his career a year later by attending an 8th-anniversary fan meeting.
▶Full statement from SM Entertainment:
It’s SM Entertainment.
We would like to inform you that our exclusive contract with Taeil has been terminated as of October 15, 2024.
Taeil is currently under investigation by the prosecution for a criminal complaint related to sex crimes. This is not only a breach of his contract but also a matter that has destroyed the trust necessary for him to continue as an artist. Therefore, both parties agreed to terminate the contract.
Once again, we deeply apologize for the concern caused by Taeil, who was our artist.
narusi@sportschosun.com
