Content Warning: This article includes descriptions of sexual assault that may disturb some readers.

South Korea, a nation known for swiftly "canceling" artists over even minor blemishes to their pristine public images, has remained surprisingly quiet about the case of former NCT member Taeil. He has reportedly avoided arrest despite being charged with sexually assaulting a foreigner alongside two acquaintances. On March 4, 2025, it was revealed that a prior arrest warrant for Taeil had been requested but ultimately denied. As a result, he has been indicted without detention.

According to legal sources, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's Women and Children's Crime Investigation Division 1 formally indicted Taeil - whose legal name is Moon - and two accomplices on February 28, 2025. They were charged with special quasi-rape under the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman in June 2024.

Initial reports suggested that weapons may have been involved, leading police to apply charges of special quasi-rape — a charge used when a weapon is present or when multiple perpetrators assault a victim who is unconscious or unable to resist. However, it was later confirmed that no weapons were used during the incident.

The case began when the victim filed a report with the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul in June 2024. In response, the police applied for arrest warrants for all three suspects. The court, however, denied the request, citing the suspects' admission of the crime and a low risk of flight. 

Also read | From NCT's Taeil, BIGBANG's Seungri to EXO's Kris Wu: Male K-pop idols accused of sexual offenses

Taeil was summoned for police questioning two months later, in August 2024. The investigation concluded in September, when the police forwarded the case to the prosecution. 

While all three suspects denied premeditating the crime, what has drawn further backlash is Taeil's failure to cooperate with the prosecution's investigation. Unlike his two accomplices, who attended questioning, Taeil did not respond to the summons, claiming health issues. Reports state that he submitted both a medical certificate and a legal opinion through his attorney. 

The public's growing frustration stems not only from the severity of the charges but also from the muted response surrounding Taeil — a stark contrast to the usual swift and unforgiving backlash against celebrities facing far less serious allegations. Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to question why he is still not in jail, while a few continue to support the former idol. 

One user wrote, "I hope Taeil dies a slow and painful death." 

i hope taeil dies a slow and painful death

— happy doyoung month 🍀 (@matchadoie) March 4, 2025

Another said, "Taeil really threw away his entire career just to run from accountability. Skipping police summons and avoiding arrest like that’s gonna make the problem disappear? Be so for real. Actions have consequences, and he just proved he’s nothing but a coward."

Taeil really threw away his entire career just to run from accountability. Skipping police summons and avoiding arrest like that’s gonna make the problem disappear? Be so fr. Actions have consequences, and he just proved he’s nothing but a coward.#taeil

— WOO'S LOVER˙✧˖°📷 ༘ ⋆｡˚ (@VELTEEZ) March 4, 2025

A different post read, "Taeil reportedly pretended to be sick to avoid police questioning. If you are a woman and you care about what happened to the woman he raped, use this hashtag #ArrestTaeilNow."

Taeil reportedly pretended to be sick to avoid police questioning. If you are a woman and you care about what happened to the woman he raped, use this hashtag. #ArrestTaeilNow #kpop pic.twitter.com/gg1kY3mHnE

— Kimdaneag (@MultiZaSeyeongg) March 4, 2025

Another simply stated, "Taeil in jail soon."

Taeil in jail soon👊🏻

— .Adelee (@leejnty) March 4, 2025

Taeil debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT's unit NCT U. He later joined the group's subunit NCT 127. Following the lawsuit, he was removed from his agency, SM Entertainment, in October 2024. 

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