South Korean singer Moon Tae-il, better known as Taeil, a former member of the K-pop group NCT, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for his involvement in the rape of a Chinese tourist.
The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, also sentencing two accomplices, identified in local reports as Lee and Hong, to the same term. All three men pleaded guilty to the charges in June.
Despite the gravity of the offense—which was categorized under South Korean law as “aggravated quasi rape”, given the victim’s unconscious state and the group nature of the assault—the judge handed down half of the seven-year sentence prosecutors had requested. The court cited the men’s status as first-time offenders in its sentencing decision.
They were also ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.
Case Details: Victim Assaulted While Unconscious
According to court testimony, Taeil and the two men met the victim at a bar in the popular Itaewon district of Seoul. The woman, a tourist from China, became “heavily intoxicated” while drinking with them. The group later took a taxi to Lee’s home, where the assault occurred while she was unconscious.
Under South Korean law, “quasi rape” refers to sexual activity committed against someone who is unable to resist, such as due to intoxication or unconsciousness. Group sexual assault escalates the charge to aggravated rape, carrying more severe penalties under the criminal code.
Public Backlash and Leniency Concerns
The sentence has sparked outcry from some South Koreans, with critics arguing the punishment is too lenient, especially given Taeil’s celebrity status.
“Why do public figures keep getting away with light sentences?” wrote one user on Naver, South Korea’s largest web portal.
The case has fueled ongoing concerns about leniency toward celebrities in the country’s justice system, particularly in high-profile cases involving sexual violence.
Taeil’s Exit from NCT and K-Pop Industry Fallout
Taeil withdrew from NCT in August 2024, shortly after allegations surfaced. At the time, neither fans nor the public knew the full scope of the accusations. His departure was framed by SM Entertainment—NCT’s agency—as a personal decision.
Taeil was a key vocalist in NCT 127, a sub-unit of the broader NCT franchise known for blending hip-hop, R&B, and experimental sounds. NCT debuted in 2016 and has achieved international recognition, with multiple Billboard-charting albums and a global fanbase.
The scandal marks one of the most serious criminal convictions involving a K-pop idol in recent years, further igniting debates around accountability in the entertainment industry.
