Former NCT member Taeil’s ‘quasi-rape’ case has noticeably dodged making headlines despite the serious implications of the K-pop scandal. While K-drama star Kim Soo Hyun’s controversy has justifiably occupied ample space on media platforms amid ‘pedophile’ allegations, the ex-NCT singer’s name has curiously slipped out of focus without any formal justification.
An all-new update on the issue finally floated to the top on Friday as K-media outlets Star News and TopStarNews broke the news that the former idol group member currently under police investigation on sex crime charges was scheduled to make his first court appearance in May. Moon Taeil, alongside two other individuals, faces charges of special ‘quasi-rape,’ i.e. engaging in sexual intercourse with a person while they are unconscious or unable to resist, as per South Korean laws.
Moon Taeil’s quasi-rape court hearings to begin in May
According to recent reports, the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Office has scheduled his first court hearing for May 12 KST. The major update comes nearly a year after Taeil and his non-celebrity acquaintances were formally accused of raping an intoxicated female victim. Recognising the seriousness of the matter, K-pop boy group NCT’s agency, SM Entertainment addressed the scandal in August 2024. As a result, Taeil’s exit from the group was announced. His exclusive contract with the South Korean entertainment company terminated in October.
What we know about former NCT Taeil’s special rape case
The subsequent stages of the investigation also pushed rumours of ex-NCT Taeil wielding a weapon at the time of the incident. Though ultimately proved false, the once-celebrated K-pop singer skipped questioning during the initial stages of the police investigations due to “health reasons” while the other suspects appeared before prosecutors for questioning. The disgraced K-pop idol’s legal team is believed to have submitted medical documents and statement from his attorney backing the claim.
In March 2025, it was further revealed that the 30-year-old former NCT member had been indicted without detention on charges of sexually assaulting a woman with accomplices. The court rejected arrest warrant requests, saying the three sexual assault suspects had admitted to the crime. They insisted the crime was not premeditated.
Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office’s Women and Children’s Crime Investigation Division indicted Moon Taeil and his two acquaintances involved in the incident on February 28 on charges under the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, according to the Korea Times.
It remains to be seen whether the accused K-pop idol will make a public appearance for his first court hearing in May.