Since his abrupt departure from the popular K-Pop group NCT in August 2024, Taeil (Moon Tae-il) has largely remained out of the public eye. His exit was announced by SM Entertainment following serious allegations of sexual offenses, which have since led to his indictment on charges of aggravated quasi-rape. While details of his current day-to-day life are scarce, recent reports indicate his focus is now primarily on the legal battle ahead.
Taeil’s removal from NCT and the subsequent termination of his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment in October 2024 marked a significant turning point in his career. The decision came after SM Entertainment confirmed his implication in a criminal case, stating that they recognized the severity of the situation and that he could no longer continue group activities. This decision was made in discussion with Taeil, who has reportedly been cooperating fully with the police investigation.
The allegations against Taeil involve an incident in June 2024, where he, along with two non-celebrity acquaintances, is accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman. Legal sources have indicated that the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office’s Women and Children’s Crime Investigation Division 1 indicted Taeil and his accomplices in February 2025 on charges under the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. This particular charge, aggravated quasi-rape, applies when a victim is in a state of unconsciousness or unable to resist, and the crime is committed by two or more people.
Reports suggest that while an arrest warrant was initially sought for the suspects, it was denied by the court, citing that they had admitted to the crime, thus reducing the necessity for detention. Taeil reportedly did not respond to initial summons for questioning due to health issues, with his legal team submitting medical documents and a statement from his lawyer. The other two suspects, however, did appear before prosecutors.
As of recent updates in April and May 2025, Taeil’s first court hearing in the quasi-rape case was scheduled to commence in May, although some reports indicate it has since been delayed to June due to scheduling conflicts with other high-profile cases. The legal proceedings are expected to shed more light on the events of the alleged incident.
Since the scandal broke, Taeil’s social media presence has significantly diminished. His Instagram account was set to private, and he has reportedly lost a substantial number of followers. His former agency, SM Entertainment, has also been in the process of removing his presence from NCT-related content.
While the entertainment industry often sees artists making comebacks after controversies, the severe nature of the allegations against Taeil suggests a long and challenging road ahead for any potential return to the public sphere. For now, his whereabouts are intrinsically linked to the ongoing legal proceedings, as he navigates the complex and serious charges he faces. The focus remains on the judicial process and the outcome of the investigation.