Taeil, a former member of NCT, lost his appeal against a prison sentence for rape; the Seoul High Court upheld his initial sentence of three years and six months.
the decision has caused a great deal of ire and disappointment on social media because many people believe the penalty is insufficient for the seriousness of the offence.
As pe Koreaboo, Taeil was convicted of aggravated quasi-rape under South Korean law, following a case where the victim was reportedly unable to consent due to intoxication.
He was tried along with two others, and back in July, the Seoul Central District Court handed down the sentence. Following the verdict, Taeil was immediately taken into custody.
His legal team had hoped to secure a lighter sentence, emphasising his cooperation with the investigation and expressions of remorse.
Also Read: Former NCT member Moon Tae-il jailed for 3.5 years for aggravated rape, Public outrage erupts
However, the appeals court was clear that the seriousness of the offence and its impact on the victim required maintaining the original punishment.
Meanwhile, prosecutors had argued for a harsher sentence of seven years and a decade-long ban on working in certain fields.
The response from the public has been strong and emotional. Many people online have expressed disbelief and frustration, questioning whether the sentence truly reflects the harm done.
Some of the reactions shared include:
“Will he have to register as a sex offender, too?”
“Wow, that’s insane.”
“Only three years for aggravated quasi-rape? Wow…”
“Just three years? What the f*ck.”
“Crazy. This is on another level.”
“Yeah, his life’s already over anyway. Lol.”
For many, this case is a painful reminder of ongoing challenges around justice for sexual crimes.
While the courts have made their decision, the conversation about how such cases are handled — and whether the punishment fits the crime — continues to resonate deeply across South Korea and beyond.
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