EXPLAINER

His label, SM Leisure, says an investigation is ongoing, however refrains from giving particulars of the sexual crime.

South Korean singer Taeil has left his Okay-pop band Neo Tradition Expertise (NCT) after he was accused of an unspecified sexual crime, in line with an announcement by his label on Wednesday.

Right here’s extra data:

Who’s Taeil?

Moon Tae-il, 30, higher identified by his moniker Taeil, is a singer and songwriter. He was born in South Korea’s capital, Seoul.

His singing profession started in 2013 when he was found by his label, SM Leisure. In 2016, he joined NCT when the boy band made its debut. He was the primary vocalist for the band.

SM Leisure has many profitable Okay-pop bands beneath its wing, together with the globally well-known boy band Exo.

NCT is split into subunits, together with NCT 127, NCT Dream, NCT Dojaejung and NCT Want. Taeil was not too long ago energetic in NCT 127.

In August 2023, the singer received right into a street accident in Seoul whereas driving his bike. He underwent surgical procedure and suspended his efficiency schedules briefly.

Why did Taeil depart NCT?

SM Leisure launched a press release on X on Wednesday saying Taeil had left NCT following fees in a “felony case associated to a sexual crime”. It didn’t specify particulars of the sexual crime.

SM’s assertion now has greater than 100 million views.

The label added that the accused singer is cooperating with the investigation, being carried out by the Bangbae police station in Seoul.

Current cases of Okay-pop stars’ ‘sexual misconduct’

• In January, prosecutors sought a seven-year jail time period over sexual assault fees in opposition to former Okay-pop singer Himchan from disbanded boy band BAP, native media reported.
• In April 2023, The Straits Instances reported that an unnamed Okay-pop singer was accused of assaulting a fellow group over 4 years.
• In August 2021, Okay-pop singers Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon had been sentenced to jail on fees of sexual assault.

When Okay-pop stars have been victims

Okay-pop singers have reported being victims, together with of sexual exploitation by the hands of their businesses.

• In November 2022, members of the boy band Omega X requested a South Korean decide that they be launched from a multiyear contract with their company, Spire Leisure. They had been significantly discontent with company govt Kang Seong-hee’s behaviour throughout a gig in Los Angeles in October 2022. Kang resigned however denied any wrongdoing.
• In 2019, Okay-pop singers and brothers Lee Seok-cheol and Lee Seung-hyun accused their producer and company of assaulting and verbally threatening them. The court docket fined their company and despatched the producer to jail.