K-pop singer Taeil leaves boyband NCT over alleged “sexual offense”

South Korea singer Taeil has left K-pop boyband NCT an alleged “sexual offense”, according to his label SM Entertainment.

Today (August 28), K-pop agency SM Entertainment in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that NCT member Taeil will leave the boyband, after learning that the singer has been “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offense”.

The label said that, while it is “assessing the facts related to the matter”, it also recognises the severity of the situation and has “determined that Taeil can no longer continue his activities with NCT”, as translated by Soompi.

In its statement, SM Entertainment also revealed that Taeil is “currently cooperating fully with the police investigation”, with updates to come as the investigation continues. “We deeply apologise for the concern and distress caused by our artist,” it added.

SM엔터테인먼트입니다. pic.twitter.com/28XapiFuOk

— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) August 28, 2024

Taeil made his debut as a member of NCT in 2016 as part of permanent sub-group NCT 127. The boyband’s last release was the July 2024 single ‘Walk’, from the group’s sixth studio album of the same title.

The singer is also the fourth member of NCT to leave the group over the past couple years. In 2023, singers Sungchan and Shotaro left the boyband in order to join the new group RIIZE. Meanwhile, Lucas Wong official left the group in May 2023, following a lengthy hiatus.

Earlier this year, SM Entertainment issued a statement denying allegations that NCT members Johnny and Haechan were involved in a sex scandal. The label described the incident as “entirely untrue” and threatened to take legal action against parties responsible for the rumours.

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