Prosecutors Seek 7-Year Prison Sentence for Former NCT Member Taeil on Sexual Assault Charges

Former NCT member Taeil (30, real name Moon Taeil) is facing a seven-year prison sentence as prosecutors called for heavy punishment during his first court hearing. Taeil has admitted to the charges and appealed for leniency.

On June 18, the Seoul Central District Court held the first hearing for Taeil and two acquaintances (identified as A and B) on charges of aggravated rape under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. Taeil appeared in court wearing a black short-sleeve shirt.

Prosecutors requested seven years of imprisonment for all three defendants, along with orders to attend sexual assault treatment programs, public disclosure of personal information, and a 10-year employment ban. They argued that the crime was premeditated and particularly heinous.

Text messages between A and B were submitted as evidence. The two were seen coordinating the meeting location before the crime and exchanging messages like "Get the victim in a taxi a little farther away so it tracks to a different location" afterward.

Prosecutors emphasized that the defendants were aware the victim was a foreigner (Chinese national) and appeared to deliberately confuse the victim about the location to avoid identification. Investigators reportedly took two months to track them down.

They also questioned the validity of the defendants' "voluntary surrender" documents, saying they were only submitted after police conducted searches, making them legally questionable.

Taeil admitted to the charges. "I deeply regret causing harm to the victim," he said. "If given a second chance, I promise to become a contributing member of society." He kept his head down throughout the statement.

However, his legal team denied the act was premeditated. "There was physical contact already at the club after drinking. The victim was taken home to drink more, not to commit a planned crime," they argued.

His lawyer also noted that Taeil had reached a settlement with the victim. "From the beginning of the investigation, Taeil expressed his remorse through his attorney. The victim accepted the apology and stated they do not wish for further punishment."

The defense added that Taeil's mother had to quit her job due to the incident's impact, and Taeil is now working part-time at a restaurant to support his family. "We ask the court to show as much leniency as the law allows."

The incident occurred around 2:53 a.m. on June 13 last year, when Taeil and his friends encountered the foreign tourist at a club in Itaewon. Taeil helped the intoxicated victim and took her in a taxi to a friend's home.

Between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., the victim was allegedly gang-raped while unconscious at B's residence in Seocho District. DNA from all three defendants was later found on the victim.

Following the victim's report, Seoul Bangbae Police launched an investigation and summoned the suspects in August. Judging them not to be flight risks, police sent the case to the prosecution without detention on September 12.

[Photo Credit: Dispatch]