K-Pop Star Exits Boy Band Amid Sexual Crime Allegations

South Korean singer Taeil has departed from the K-pop group NCT following allegations of an unspecified sexual crime, according to his label. SM Entertainment announced on X that the 30-year-old NCT member, whose legal name is Moon Tae-il, would leave the band after being accused of a “criminal case related to a sexual crime.”

The agency did not elaborate on the details of the allegations but emphasized that the situation’s seriousness led them to conclude that Taeil could no longer “continue his activities with the team.” Taeil has not made any public statements regarding the accusations.

SM Entertainment confirmed that Taeil is fully cooperating with the police investigation, promising further updates as the inquiry progresses. South Korean media reported that the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul is investigating Taeil in connection to the alleged sexual crime.

NCT, also known as Neo Culture Technology, is a globally renowned South Korean boy band that debuted in 2016 and includes subunits like NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT Wish. Taeil, who was active in NCT 127, had recently faced a temporary suspension from his schedules due to a motorcycle accident in Seoul on August 15 of the previous year, which required him to focus on treatment and recovery.

NCT is known for its experimental music across various genres and has achieved international success, following the global impact of K-pop, especially after the success of BTS in the late 2010s.