NCT’s Taeil Has Left the Group After a Sex Crime Accusation | Billboard News

Taeil from NCT has left the group after an accusation of an unspecified sex crime, label SM Entertainment said. Keep watching for the full story.

Tetris Kelly:
Taeil is leaving K-pop group NCT after being accused of an unspecified sexual crime. His exit has been confirmed by his label, SM, and we’re breaking down the shocking news.

NCT 127:
As you know, for obvious reasons, we’re not all together with nine members.

Tetris Kelly:
NCT 127 was just in our studio without Taeil, speaking on operating with fewer members and we learned today of a massive shakeup in the group’s lineup. SM Entertainment issued a statement saying that the NCT member will depart from the boy band after learning he has been “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime.” Adding, “We recognized the seriousness of the issue, and we have decided that Taeil could no longer continue team activities. We have discussed this matter with Tael and it has been decided he will leave the group.” The label added that he is fully cooperating with the police investigation.

Our interview came almost exactly a year after 30-year-old Taeil sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident that required him to have surgery and take a hiatus. Last October, SM Entertainment released an update saying that the performer still needed “sufficient treatment and stability” after the procedure. Taeil debuted as a member of NCT, having been active with the group since their pre-debut training team in 2015. We will keep you posted on any developments in the story.