NCT, the popular K-pop group, has been rocked by a scandal involving one of its members, Taeil. The group’s label, SM Entertainment, released an official statement on August 28th, 2024, announcing Taeil’s departure from the band after he was “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime.”
The announcement, which quickly gained over 57.3 million views on X (formerly Twitter), has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community. NCT, known for its experimental music and multiple subunits, has now lost its lead vocalist and one of its original members.
Taeil’s Departure and the Official Statement
In the statement, SM Entertainment acknowledged the severity of the situation and stated that Taeil can no longer continue his activities with the team. The agency also mentioned that Taeil is fully cooperating with the police investigation, but the specific details of the allegations have not been made public.
The statement read, in part: “We have recently learned that Taeil has been accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offense. As we were assessing the facts related to the matter, we recognized the severity of the situation and determined that Taeil can no longer continue his activities with the team (NCT). After discussing with Taeil, we have decided on his departure from the group.”
The agency went on to say, “Taeil is currently cooperating fully with the police investigation. We will provide further statements as the investigation progresses. We deeply apologize for the concern and distress caused by our artist.”
NCT’s Official Account and Weverse Updates
Following the announcement, NCT’s official account on Weverse, a popular K-pop fan community platform, updated its group cover photo. The new image features the remaining members of NCT 127, the subunit Taeil was active in, without him.
This move by the group’s management has been interpreted by fans as a clear indication of Taeil’s departure from the band. The updated cover photo serves as a visual representation of the group’s new lineup, excluding the embattled member.
Taeil’s Bandmates React
As the news of Taeil’s alleged involvement in a sex crime scandal broke, fans noticed that his fellow NCT member, Haechan, had unfollowed him on Instagram. A fan posted about this on X, writing, “If the members unfollowed him, I know this issue will be serious even his bestfriend unfollowed him. I don’t know how to react to this case.”
The unfollowing by Haechan, who was considered Taeil’s close friend within the group, suggests that the allegations against Taeil are indeed serious and have caused a rift within the band. It remains to be seen if other members will follow suit in distancing themselves from their former bandmate.
Taeil’s Departure Amid a Larger Context
Taeil’s departure from NCT is the fourth such incident in recent years for the group. Earlier this year, SM Entertainment had to release a statement denying allegations that NCT members Johnny and Haechan were involved in a sex scandal.
The K-pop industry has been grappling with several high-profile scandals in recent years, with artists facing allegations ranging from sexual misconduct to drug use. The Taeil case adds to the growing list of controversies that have rocked the industry, which has long been praised for its slick productions and carefully curated images of its artists.
The Future of NCT
With Taeil’s departure, NCT will have to navigate the challenges of moving forward without one of its most prominent members. The group, which currently has more than two dozen members divided into several subunits, will need to find a way to adapt to the loss of its lead vocalist.
Fans of the group will be closely watching to see how NCT and SM Entertainment handle the aftermath of the scandal. The agency has promised to provide further updates as the investigation progresses, but it remains to be seen how the group will move forward both musically and in terms of its public image.
- Redmi Note 14 series will be released next week, design preview
- Moto G85 5G may launch in India soon in two new color options
- iQoo Z9 Turbo+ will debut next week, confirmed to be powered by this MediaTek SoC
- “Should I send it to Lawrence Bishnoi?” said a burqa-clad woman who arrived on a motorcycle, according to a threat to Salman Khan’s father.
- Rajasthan government announces big news: 400,000 young people will be employed in five years and Rs 10 crore will be provided to startups
In conclusion, the scandal surrounding Taeil’s alleged involvement in a sex crime has sent shockwaves through the K-pop world. NCT’s management has acted swiftly in removing the embattled member from the group, but the fallout from the scandal is likely to continue for some time. As the investigation progresses, fans and industry watchers alike will be closely monitoring the situation to see how it ultimately plays out for both Taeil and the group he once called home.