"I am profoundly sorry for the significant harm": Former NCT member Taeil asks for leniency as prosecution seeks 7-year sentence for rape charges

On June 18, the Korean media outlet Star News Korea reported new developments in Taeil's ongoing sexual assault case. The matter, which dated back to mid-2024, has once again made headlines. Recently, the ex-NCT member asked for leniency after prosecutors demanded a seven-year prison sentence for him. The prosecution emphasized the gravity and nature of the crime, calling it heinous, and stated,

"The case is extremely serious, and the nature of the crime is particularly egregious."

After the court sentenced the defendants to seven years in prison, the former NCT member requested leniency while expressing deep regret. The K-Pop idol stated that if the court decides to give him one final chance, he would take it and offer the most to society. He said,

"I am profoundly sorry for the significant harm I caused the victim and disappointed everyone. If given leniency, I consider it the last chance in my life and will do my best to contribute positively to society in any way I can."

Former NCT member Taeil accused of sexual crime against woman

Taeil, alongside two other non-celebrity male accomplices, has been charged with sexually abusing a foreign woman. The initial trial was conducted on the June 18 at the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court. During the trial, the prosecution sought a seven-year imprisonment for the former idol and two other co-defendants accused of rape.

According to Korea Charts, the prosecution mentioned the details of the incident and stated that the defendants met the victim in a bar and drank together late at night on June 13, 2024.

In the indictment, it was mentioned that after drinking, the defendants "dragged" the victim and took her to one of the accused's homes in a taxi. Three of the defendants then allegedly raped the victim while she was unconscious from "being heavily intoxicated."

Taeil’s attorney also reportedly expressed deepest apologies, taking into consideration the seriousness of the matter while pleading leniency for the accused.

"Both the defendant and the defense take the gravity of this case very seriously and offer our deepest apologies to the victim. The defendant deeply regrets his actions and the lasting impact they have had on the victim's life." Taeil’s attorney stated.

In June 2024, the woman filed a criminal complaint with the Seoul Bangbae Police Station, accusing the former NCT member of sexually assaulting her while she was intoxicated. Following this, the law enforcement booked the idol for a sexual offense. The authorities applied for arrest warrants for him but couldn't detain him initially due to lack of evidence.

Later in August 2024, SM Entertainment officially announced that the idol would be removed from the group following the serious allegations against him.

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