Taeil is facing a possible 7-year sentence for allegedly assaulting a foreign tourist.

Former NCT member Taeil, along with co-defendants Lee and Hong, faced their first trial on June 18 for charges of special quasi-rape under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act at the Seoul Central District Court.

The trio are accused of meeting a foreign woman at a bar in Itaewon on June 13, 2024, intoxicating her, then allegedly gang-raping her at their residence in Bangbae-dong. Prosecutors are seeking a seven-year prison sentence, citing incriminating text messages exchanged during the incident such as, “Take a taxi and get her out. Make it look like it happened somewhere else.”

Prosecutors condemned the assault on the foreign tourist as extremely serious and criticized the defendants for their attempts to cover up the crime and evade authorities. They raised doubts about the sincerity of a belated “surrender” letter submitted only after the suspects were identified by police two months later.

Taeil’s defense team claimed he had expressed remorse, the victim had forgiven him and requested leniency, and that he had completed sexual offense prevention education and counseling. They also mentioned personal hardships, such as his mother’s job loss and his current unemployment status.

In court, Taeil bowed and expressed his apologies, saying, “I am sorry for disappointing everyone. If given a second chance, I will live responsibly.”

He was indicted without detention in March 2025. SM Entertainment terminated his contract and removed him from NCT, while the other members unfollowed him on social media.

Sentencing is set for July 10, 2025, at 2 p.m.