Taeil of boy band NCT is removed from the band after being reported to the police for a sex crime, his agency SM Entertainment said on Wednesday.
On August 28, SM Entertainment issued the following statement in X. According to a translation from Soompi:
“This is SM Entertainment. We have recently learned that Taeil has been accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offense. As we were assessing the facts related to the matter, we recognized the severity of the situation and determined that Taeil can no longer continue his activities with the team (NCT). We have decided on his departure from the group after discussing with Taeil.”
SM Entertainment further added “Taeil is currently cooperating fully with the police investigation. We will provide further statements as the investigation progresses. We deeply apologize for the concern and distress caused by our artist.”
SM엔터테인먼트입니다. pic.twitter.com/28XapiFuOk
— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) August 28, 2024
Fans of the group are in shock. Meanwhile, his fellow NCT bandmate, Haechan has unfollowed him on Instagram. The two members shared a fond bond over the years. Fans took to X to reveal Haechan’s social media move.
NCT (Neo Culture Technology) is a South Korean boy band formed by SM Entertainment. They were introduced in January 2016. The group has 25 members. The members are divided into six sub-units: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, NCT DoJaeJung, and NCT Wish. NCT is known for their diverse music, strong vocal and rap skills, and powerful performances. They are called K-pop’s “most experimental boy band” because they can have unlimited members. By June 2024, NCT has sold over 40 million albums in Korea. That makes them the best-selling act under SM Entertainment and one of the top-selling K-pop artists ever.