NCT Taeil (30, Moon Taeil) has been accused of a sexual crime. SM has confirmed the facts and recognized the seriousness of the case, and has decided to immediately withdraw from the group.

SM Entertainment announced on the 28th, "We have recently confirmed that Taeil has been accused of a criminal case related to sexual crimes," and "While investigating the facts, we realized that the case is very serious."

SM made the decision to withdraw immediately. They said, "We have decided that Taeil can no longer continue team activities."

Taeil is currently under police investigation. SM said, "We will provide additional statements depending on the progress of the investigation," and "We deeply apologize for causing controversy."

Taeil debuted with NCT in 2016. He was a key member of the team as the main vocalist. He was also a member of the subgroup NCT 127 and the unit NCT U.

◆ Below is SM Entertainment's full statement.

This is SM Entertainment.

We have recently confirmed that Taeil has been indicted in a criminal case related to sexual crimes.

While investigating the facts, we realized that the matter was very serious and decided that he could no longer continue team activities. After discussing with Taeil, we decided to have him leave the team.

Taeil is currently cooperating faithfully with the police investigation, and we will provide additional information as the investigation progresses.

We deeply apologize for the controversy caused by our artist.