Prosecutors Seek Seven-Year Prison Sentence for Former NCT Member Taeil Over Aggravated Rape Charges

SEOUL, June 18, 2025 – Prosecutors have demanded a seven-year prison sentence for Moon Taeil, the 31-year-old former member of K-pop group NCT, in a high-profile sexual assault case that has gripped South Korea’s entertainment industry. The sentencing request was made during a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday, where Taeil and his two co-defendants, surnamed Lee and Hong, faced charges of "special quasi-rape" for the assault of an intoxicated foreign woman in June 2024.

Case Details and Admission of Guilt

Prosecutors allege that Taeil and his friends met the victim, a Chinese national tourist, at a bar in Itaewon in the early hours of June 13 last year. After drinking together, the group took the heavily intoxicated woman to Lee’s residence in Bangbae-dong, Seocho District, where the assault occurred between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. The prosecution emphasized the gravity of the crime, noting that the victim was unconscious and unable to resist, and described the act as a “gang-rape of a foreign tourist in an unfamiliar situation”.

All three defendants admitted to the charges during the hearing. Taeil, in his final statement to the court, said, “I most deeply regret and feel sorry for the harm I caused the victim. I also apologize to everyone who was disappointed in me. If given leniency, I will consider it my last chance in life and do my best to contribute to society in any way I can”.

Prosecution’s Arguments and Sentencing Requests

The prosecution has requested not only the seven-year prison term for each defendant but also a court-ordered treatment program, the release of their personal details, and a 10-year restriction on employment involving minors. Prosecutors argued that the defendants attempted to confuse the victim about the location of the crime and obstruct the investigation, particularly exploiting the fact that the victim was a foreigner.

Defense and Mitigating Factors

Taeil’s legal team pleaded for leniency, citing a settlement with the victim and a statement from her expressing that she did not wish for his punishment. His lawyer stated that Taeil had completed a sexual violence prevention program and undergone psychological counseling, vowing never to repeat the offense.

Background and Industry Impact

Taeil debuted with NCT in 2016 and was active in the subunits NCT U and NCT 127. He was expelled from the group in August 2024 after police began investigating the allegations, and SM Entertainment terminated his contract in October 2024.

Next Steps

The sentencing hearing for Taeil and his co-defendants is scheduled for July 10. The case continues to draw intense public scrutiny due to the severity of the allegations and Taeil’s former celebrity status.