Taeil Pleads for Leniency After Prosecutors Demand 7-Year Sentence: “I’m Now Just Working Part-Time”

 

Former NCT member Taeil stood in silence at the Seoul Central District Court as prosecutors demanded a seven-year prison sentence for his role in a high-profile aggravated rape case. Once a beloved idol, Taeil now faces the stark reality of public disgrace and legal reckoning.

A Fall from Grace

The trial, held by Criminal Division 26, involves Taeil and two other defendants—each charged under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. Prosecutors didn’t mince words, calling it an “extremely serious case with malicious intent.”

At 10:40 a.m., Taeil arrived in court, avoiding cameras and questions. Dressed in dark clothes and thick-rimmed glasses, he wore the weight of the charges with a quiet, emotionless composure. A few fans, seemingly conflicted, were spotted in the courtroom gallery.

When asked about his current situation, Taeil replied softly:

“I was expelled from my agency after working as a singer. I’m currently doing part-time work to get by.”

He and the other two defendants admitted to all charges, with Taeil stating bluntly, “I admit to all the charges.”

Defense Paints Picture of Remorse and Ruin

Taeil’s legal team pleaded for leniency, citing his sincere remorse, voluntary surrender, and efforts to reform, including sexual assault prevention education and ongoing counseling. His lawyer also detailed Taeil’s physical and financial hardships, including a previous traffic accident, and noted that he now works in a friend’s restaurant to help support his family.

“He debuted young, kept a clean public image, and was actively involved in charity,” the lawyer said. “He’s deeply sorry for what he’s done.”

Prosecutors Push Back Hard

But prosecutors rejected this narrative of redemption. They argued the crime involved a foreign tourist, taken from a nightclub in Itaewon to a residence in Bangbae-dong, where the gang rape occurred.

“This case reflects incredibly poor moral character,” the prosecution declared, also questioning the sincerity of Taeil’s self-surrender—submitted only after search and seizure efforts had already begun.
“Their story about just wanting to ‘drink more’ makes no sense, given the distance involved,” they added.

A Final Plea

In his last statement, Taeil tried to express contrition:

“I deeply regret the harm I’ve caused to the victim and feel immense remorse. I apologize to everyone I’ve disappointed. If granted leniency, I will treat it as a final chance to rebuild my life and give back to society.”

After the trial, Taeil exited silently—no words to the press, no statement to fans.

Background: Idol to Inmate?

The charges stem from an incident in June 2023. Taeil was summoned in August, and the case was forwarded to prosecutors a month later. A request for his arrest was ultimately denied.

Taeil, who debuted in 2016 with NCT U and later joined NCT 127, saw his career unravel after SM Entertainment terminated his exclusive contract in October 2023, citing a “loss of trust” and ongoing legal issues. Fans were especially outraged after learning that Taeil had continued to participate in events—such as the NCT 127 8th anniversary fan meeting—without disclosing the charges.

What’s Next?

The court will deliver its sentencing verdict on July 10 at 2 p.m. Whether Taeil’s plea for mercy resonates with the judges—or if the prosecution’s demand for a seven-year sentence holds—remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the scandal has marked a devastating chapter in K-pop history, and for Taeil, the idol spotlight has all but faded.

Credits: Damien 09