Former NCT member Moon Tae-il jailed for 3.5 years for aggravated rape, Public outrage erupts

Former NCT member Moon Tae-il jailed for 3.5 years for aggravated rape, Public outrage erupts

Former NCT member Moon Tae-il, widely known as Taeil, has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated rape. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on July 10, 2025, during the first trial hearing in the high-profile case. Taeil, 31, was immediately taken into custody following the court's decision, alongside two other co-defendants involved in the incident.

The case stems from a harrowing incident that occurred on June 13, 2024, at approximately 2:33 a.m. in the Itaewon district of Seoul. According to court records, Taeil and the other two defendants were drinking with the victim, a foreign woman, before dragging her into a taxi while she was heavily intoxicated. The group then transported her to one of the defendants' residences in the Bangbae district, where, from 4:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., they committed sexual acts while the victim was unconscious and unable to resist.

Despite Taeil issuing a public apology and reportedly attempting to settle the case privately with the victim, the court refused leniency, citing the severity of the crime. Alongside the prison sentence, the court mandated that all three perpetrators complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program. Their personal information will also be made public, and they will be prohibited from working in child- and youth-related institutions for five years. The court stated, “Since a prison sentence is being imposed, we judge there is a risk of flight and have issued an arrest warrant.”

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The prosecution initially sought a seven-year sentence, but the 3.5-year ruling has ignited widespread criticism online. Many netizens expressed disappointment and outrage over what they consider a lenient sentence for such a serious crime. One user wrote, “He deserves a lifetime sentence already,” while another commented, “What an embarrassment to his fandom and group… I can’t believe I used to support him.”

Public sentiment also targeted the South Korean judicial system. A user noted, “Korea’s laws are unfair. Why do men like him get light sentences for awful crimes all the time?”

SM Entertainment officially terminated Taeil’s contract in October 2024, following the criminal allegations. Once a beloved K-pop idol, Taeil now faces public disgrace and legal punishment as his case becomes a symbol of accountability in South Korea’s entertainment industry.