Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
At the end of August, SM Entertainment made a shocking announcement that Taeil would be removed from NCT due to alleged sexual offenses in a criminal case. There has unfortunately been a ton of speculation about what exactly he did since but no credible reporting done on it.
Now though, The Chosun Ilbo reports that Taeil is being investigated for aggravated quasi-rape committed with two acquaintances against an intoxicated woman (hence “quasi-rape”).
According to the investigation, Moon was accused of sexually assaulting a woman who was intoxicated, alongside two acquaintances, in June. He was summoned for questioning two months after the accusation, on August 28th. It is believed that none of Moon’s accomplices are public figures.
Aggravated quasi-rape involves committing rape while armed with a weapon or acting in concert with two or more people against a victim who is incapacitated or unable to resist. If the charges are upheld, Moon could face at least seven years in prison or a life sentence under Article 4, Section 1 of the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes and Other Crimes.
When asked for comment on the report, SME cited that the matter is under investigation.
In response to the report on Taeil’s specific charges, SM Entertainment briefly stated, “It is difficult to comment as the matter is currently under investigation.”
There’s not much else to say, as any further detail was going to be terrible regardless, but at least there appears to be some clarity on what’s happening now.
Update
SM Entertainment has since commented further.
SM Entertainment released an official statement after Moon’s appearance at the police station, stating, “We have confirmed that Taeil has been accused of a criminal case related to sexual assault. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, we have decided, after discussions with Taeil, that he will leave the team and cease his activities.”
