Taeil sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison, taken into custody immediately
Former NCT member Taeil has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison. He was taken into custody at the Seoul Central District Court on July 10, 2025.
The first trial sentencing hearing for Taeil and two others was held by the 26th Criminal Division. All three defendants received identical sentences. They must also complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and face a public disclosure of their personal information. The court banned them from working in child- and youth-related institutions for five years.
The court explained the immediate custody decision:
“Since a prison sentence is being imposed, we judge there is a risk of flight and have issued an arrest warrant.”
Taeil admitted to rape charges linked to a 2024 incident. He and two acquaintances met a foreign woman at a bar in Itaewon, Seoul. Later, they took her to a private residence in Bangbae-dong while she was intoxicated. The group committed non-consensual acts while the victim was unconscious.
Despite Taeil’s apology, settlement with the victim, and plea for leniency, the court ruled the crime was too serious to avoid jail time. Prosecutors had initially demanded seven years, citing premeditation and attempts to cover up.
SM Entertainment terminated Taeil’s exclusive contract in October 2024, stating trust with the artist could no longer be maintained.
The sentencing confirms Taeil’s legal responsibility and marks a definitive fall from grace.
