Taeil’s Prison Sentence Confirmed as Ex-NCT Member’s Appeal for Aggravated Gang Rape Dismissed

Taeil’s Prison Sentence Confirmed as Ex-NCT Member’s Appeal for Aggravated Gang Rape Dismissed

Seoul High Court Upholds Sentence for Former NCT Member Moon Tae-il

On Friday, the Seoul High Court confirmed the prison sentence of three years and six months for Moon Tae-il, a former member of the K-pop group NCT, by rejecting his appeal against a gang rape conviction.

Court’s Decision and Sentencing Details

Presiding judges Park Young-joo, Park Jae-woo, and Jung Moon-kyung of Criminal Division 11-3 verified the initial ruling under South Korea’s legal framework regarding sexual crimes. This ruling includes a five-year prohibition on Moon Tae-il’s participation in activities involving children, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, he is required to undergo a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program.

Incident Overview

The case dates back to June of the previous year when Moon Tae-il and two associates were convicted for sexually assaulting a Chinese tourist who was intoxicated and encountered them at a bar in Itaewon, Seoul. The court established that they transported the victim to a private residence and assaulted her with no regard for her inability to resist. Prosecutors deemed the crime “extremely severe, ”seeking a more extended sentence of up to seven years due to the victim’s vulnerable condition and her isolation far from home.

Arguments in Appeal

During the appeal, Taeil’s defense team requested a reduction in his sentence, arguing that he had surrendered to the authorities voluntarily. However, the court rejected this assertion, citing discrepancies in his statements about his awareness of the charges against him. The judges noted, “The defendant claimed he surrendered himself, but he had also testified that he was unaware of the criminal charges until the search of his residence. Just because other cases have recognized voluntary surrender as a mitigating factor does not mean the same applies here.”

Evaluation of Sentencing

After thoroughly reviewing various factors associated with the case, the court concluded that the original sentence was appropriate and within judicial discretion. Notably, during the first trial, the judges described the assault as “extremely grave in nature, ”while acknowledging the significant psychological trauma likely endured by the victim.

Impact on Moon Tae-il’s Career

Moon Tae-il became a member of NCT in 2016 as part of the SM Entertainment initiative. His career faced an abrupt halt in August 2024 when allegations emerged, leading to SM Entertainment terminating his contract and officially announcing his exit from the group. His co-defendants, Mr. Lee and Mr. Hong, received the same sentence and treatment requirements as Tae-il.

Public Reaction and Future Implications

This case has sparked widespread public interest and outrage across South Korea, spotlighting the legal system’s handling of sexual violence cases involving public figures. With the court’s final ruling and no options for further appeal being available, Taeil will begin serving his prison sentence immediately upon his transfer to a correctional facility.

For a video related to the coverage, click here.

For additional details and images related to this case, follow this link.

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