Controversy has erupted after eyewitness accounts and photos emerged on April 21st, reportedly showing former NCT member Taeil at a restaurant with friends. This public appearance comes just weeks before his scheduled first trial on May 12th, where he and two others face charges of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (aggravated quasi-rape).
A netizen who claims to have been at the same restaurant shared photos on various online communities, writing,
“I saw Moon Taeil recently. He’s out drinking even before his first trial.”
The photos depict a man resembling Taeil dining and drinking with two other individuals.
The poster further elaborated on the encounter, stating that when their friend took the photos, one of Taeil’s companions asked them to refrain, saying,
“‘My dongsaeng (younger brother) is going through a hard time, so please don’t take pictures’.”
This sighting follows reports from Star News on April 19th detailing the upcoming trial date set by the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court. It’s important to recall that the Bangbae Police Station had initially sought arrest warrants for Taeil and the other two suspects. However, the court ultimately dismissed this request, citing the suspects’ acknowledgment of the crime, which lessened concerns about potential flight risk. Notably, the other two individuals involved have reportedly already undergone questioning by the prosecution.
The charges against Taeil stem from an incident in June of last year, which led to his indictment without detention for allegedly sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman. Following this indictment, SM Entertainment swiftly terminated his exclusive contract and announced his departure from NCT.
SM Entertainment‘s statement at the time emphasized the gravity of the situation, explaining their immediate decision to remove Taeil from the group upon learning of the police investigation. They stated,
“We recognized the gravity of the matter and determined that he could no longer continue with the group’s activities. We discussed the matter with Taeil and decided on his departure from the team.”
The agency’s prompt action and the serious nature of the charges have elicited strong reactions from fans. Many have voiced their opinions online, with comments such as,
“If the agency decided on his removal immediately, the crime must be serious enough that the details should be disclosed,” and “Since there is a clear victim, we hope for a strict and appropriate punishment.”
The charge of aggravated quasi-rape is a severe offense under South Korean law. It applies when two or more individuals are involved in a sexual assault against someone unable to resist due to mental or physical incapacitation, or when a weapon is used. While reports indicate that no weapons were involved in this particular case, a conviction for aggravated quasi-rape carries a minimum prison sentence of seven years and can even lead to life imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against Taeil.
What are your thoughts on Taeil enjoying on night out drinking with friends before his trial? Let us know in the comment section below.
