Former NCT Member Taeil admits to rape charges

Former NCT member Moon Tae-il has reportedly admitted to quasi-rape charges during a recent court proceeding in Seoul. Two other individuals are also facing similar charges alongside him.

The first trial concerning the matter took place on June 19 at the Seoul Central District Court. The three defendants are accused of allegedly gang-raping an intoxicated Chinese female tourist on June 13, 2024.

Under Korean law, quasi-rape charges are typically applied when two or more individuals commit sexual acts on someone who is physically unable to give consent or is unconscious.

During the trial, the prosecution recommended a seven-year prison sentence for each of the three defendants. They also requested that the court mandate the disclosure of their personal information, require enrollment in a sexual violence treatment program, and impose a ten-year ban on their employment.

According to reports, Moon Tae-il appealed for leniency, expressing regret for his actions by stating, "I’m sorry to all the people who felt disappointed." The accused also submitted letters to the court, hoping to influence the sentencing decision.

However, the prosecution argued against these appeals, suggesting that coming forward only after being identified and raided by police did not represent a genuine surrender.

Defense lawyers for Taeil and the other two men are continuing to push for a less severe sentence. Their team emphasized that the crime was presented as accidental and not intentionally planned.

The defense also highlighted Taeil's cooperation with the police investigation and noted that he is currently completing a sexual crime prevention program, aiming to demonstrate efforts to avoid future offenses. They further requested the court consider the financial impact the case has had on his family.

This development follows Taeil's removal from the K-pop group NCT in August of the previous year, shortly after the sexual misconduct allegations were made public.

A final sentencing decision in the case is scheduled for July 10.