By Dayo Olusola, M10News World Desk |
© 2025 M10news
Seoul, South Korea – Former K-pop star Moon Tae-il, widely known as Taeil of the boy band NCT, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for his role in the gang rape of a Chinese tourist in Seoul.
The 31-year-old singer was convicted alongside two accomplices, identified in South Korean reports as Lee and Hong. The three men admitted to taking turns raping the woman after she became severely intoxicated during a night of drinking in the Itaewon district in 2024. They transported her to a private residence by taxi, where the assault occurred.
On July 10, a district court handed down prison sentences of 3.5 years to each of the men and ordered them to complete 40 hours of a rehabilitation programme for sexual violence offenders.
In addition, they will be registered as sex offenders and prohibited from working in child or youth-related roles for five years.
The case was classified under South Korean law as “aggravated quasi-rape” due to the victim’s incapacitation and the group nature of the crime. The judge, quoted by The Korea Herald, stated: “The defendants took turns committing sexual acts against the victim, who was severely intoxicated and unable to resist. The nature of the crime is particularly grave.”
Prosecutors had sought a seven-year sentence, but the court imposed a lesser term, citing the defendants’ lack of prior criminal records and their decision to plead guilty.
Taeil was a prominent member of NCT from its debut in 2016 until he was dropped from the group in 2024 following the emergence of allegations. At the time, his agency, SM Entertainment, stated: “Given the gravity of the matter, we determined that he could no longer continue group activities.” The company also confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
The sentencing has sparked renewed debate in South Korea about sentencing guidelines for sexual violence, especially involving public figures.
Critics have raised concerns over the relatively light punishment compared to the severity of the crime.
The convictions of Taeil and his co-defendants mark one of the most high-profile criminal cases involving a K-pop figure in recent years, further fuelling calls for the entertainment industry to implement stricter safeguards and accountability measures.
The court did not confirm whether an appeal will be pursued by the prosecution.
Editing by M10News World Desk | Contact: info@m10news.com
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