Taeil, a former member of K-pop group NCT, is facing serious legal consequences after prosecutors requested a seven-year prison sentence on charges of aggravated sexual assault. He has admitted to the charges and is now seeking leniency from the court.

⚖️ Prosecution: "Deliberate Crime Meant to Avoid Detection"

At the first trial held on June 18 at Seoul Central District Court, prosecutors requested the same sentence—seven years in prison—for Taeil and two co-defendants (referred to as A and B). They also asked the court to impose sex offender treatment programs, personal information disclosure, and a 10-year employment restriction.

According to text messages submitted as evidence, the defendants coordinated meeting locations and attempted to obstruct investigation. One message reportedly said, "Make sure she gets a taxi from farther away, so it looks like a different location." Prosecutors stated the crime was premeditated and designed to prevent tracking, especially as the victim was a foreign national from China.

🧾 Court Rejects Voluntary Surrender Claim

Authorities also questioned the defendants' intent to self-report. "The letters of surrender were submitted only after a search warrant was executed. This does not meet the legal standard for genuine voluntary confession," the prosecutor stated.

The investigation reportedly took over two months due to the deliberate obfuscation of the crime scene.

🙏 Taeil Admits to Charges, Requests Mercy

Taeil confessed to all charges. "I regret causing such deep pain to the victim. If given leniency, I will take it as my final chance to become someone who contributes to society," he told the court, visibly remorseful.

However, his lawyer denied the charges were premeditated. "The physical contact began consensually at the club. The defendants simply wanted to continue drinking and took the victim to the residence," the defense argued.

The defense also mentioned that Taeil had reached a settlement with the victim, who expressed that she no longer wished to pursue punishment.

📉 Aftermath and Current Status

Due to the case's impact, Taeil's family has suffered as well. His legal team stated that his mother resigned from work and that Taeil is currently working at a restaurant to support the household.

The incident occurred in June 2023, when Taeil and his friends allegedly met the victim at a club in Itaewon. She was heavily intoxicated, and the three men reportedly took her to a residence in Seocho, where the assault occurred. All three defendants' DNA was found on the victim, who was unconscious at the time.