Taeil of NCT has left his group after being reported to the police for an unspecified sexual crime, his agency announced.
The decision came after SM Entertainment was made aware of “the gravity of the case” and upon consultations with the 30-year-old, without elaborating further as it is an ongoing criminal case.
“Our company recently found out that Taeil has been accused in a criminal case in relation to a sexual crime,” SM Entertainment said in a statement uploaded to X. “In the process of verifying the details, the company reached the conclusion that he could no longer be part of the team, given the gravity of the incident.”
SM said he is currently undergoing police investigation and apologized for the controversy caused by its artist. It is unclear whether his contract has been terminated.
Taeil, whose real name is Moon Tae-il, debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT U, a subunit of the popular boy band NCT. He was recently active in NCT 127. He took time off from group activities last year after sustaining a fracture in his right thigh from a motorcycle accident in August 2023.
Earlier this year, SM addressed a publicized scandal regarding NCT’s Johnny and Haechan and Super Junior’s Heechul. Allegations online accused the latter of engaging in prostitution and drug use in Japan in March. SM Entertainment denied the rumors and announced plans to pursue legal action.