Former NCT TAEIL Apologizes in Appeal as Prosecutors Seek 7-Year Sentence

Former NCT member TAEIL (31) apologized to the victim during closing arguments in his appeals trial on aggravated rape charges, as prosecutors asked the court to hand down a seven-year prison sentence.

On the 17th, the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 11-3 held closing arguments in the appeal of TAEIL and two co-defendants on charges under South Korea’s Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. Prosecutors called the offense serious and said the first-trial ruling was too lenient, urging the court to impose the same sentence they originally sought: seven years in prison.

The Attorney argued that TAEIL acted on a momentary lapse in judgment, citing his prior steady career and stable family ties as signs of a low risk of reoffense while asking the court for leniency.

The Attorney added that TAEIL had been a public figure from a young age without major controversies, continued charitable work and volunteering, and received character letters from acquaintances. The fallout from the case led his mother to quit her job, and the Defendant left his group and had his exclusive contract terminated, taking part-time work to make ends meet. He has reportedly maintained exemplary conduct while in custody.

In his final statement, TAEIL bowed his head and said, “I admit all wrongdoing and am deeply remorseful. I know no words or actions can undo the harm suffered by the victim. What I did was irresponsible and foolish. I will spend my life atoning.” He continued, “Watching the victim and our families suffer made me truly grasp the weight of my actions. I will never commit another crime and will live honestly.”

Back in July, the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 26 sentenced TAEIL and two others to three years and six months in prison and remanded them into custody. The court also ordered 40 hours of sex-offender treatment and imposed a five-year employment ban at institutions involving children and teens.

TAEIL was indicted without detention in February 2025 on charges that he and two acquaintances raped an intoxicated woman in June of the previous year. He continued activities after the incident, drawing backlash, and in August that year his agency announced his departure from the team and termination of his exclusive contract.

Sentencing in the appeal is set for October 17 at 2:30 p.m.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)