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On October 15, 2024, SM Entertainment officially confirmed that their exclusive contract with former NCT member Taeil had been terminated. This decision follows the member's involvement in a criminal investigation, which has since escalated to the Seoul Central Prosecutors Office.
The company stated that the allegations against the ex-member, combined with the ongoing legal proceedings, made it impossible to maintain trust in him as an artist, thereby justifying the termination of their contract. The official statement read:
"This is SM Entertainment. We would like to inform you that our exclusive contract with Taeil has been terminated as of October 15, 2024. Taeil is currently under investigation by the prosecution for a criminal case. This not only constitutes grounds for termination under our contract but also makes it impossible to maintain trust in him as an artist."
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The statement further read:
"As a result, both parties have mutually agreed to terminate the contract. We sincerely apologize once again for any concern caused by Taeil, who was previously one of our artists."
With the investigation still ongoing and authorities yet to summon the artist for further questioning, the future remains uncertain. If found guilty, he could face a prison sentence exceeding seven years under Korean law for aggravated se*ual offenses.
The scandal first emerged in late August 2024, when reports surfaced linking him to a s*xual crime investigation. This news sent shockwaves through the K-pop industry, given the artist's long-standing position as a prominent member of NCT.
More about NCT's former member Taeil's ongoing controversy
After the news of the idol's activities came to light, SM Entertainment swiftly responded by removing Taeil from the group, a move that signaled the seriousness of the situation. In the wake of the idol's exit, his fellow NCT members distanced themselves, with many unfollowing him on social media.
While the agency cited "unforeseen scheduling conflicts," fans and media speculated that these delays were linked to the controversy surrounding him. As the investigation continues, the case has raised significant concerns among fans, with many withdrawing their support for the artist.
His social media was changed into a private account and saw a sharp decline in followers, losing around 500,000 since the scandal broke.
Fans have also scrutinized the artist's past behavior, particularly his alleged club visits during a period when he was on an injury-related hiatus earlier in 2024.
A resurfaced image, allegedly taken at a nightclub during his recovery, reignited speculation about his conduct, further complicating his public image. The member's removal from NCT and the legal proceedings have sparked widespread discussions about accountability, public trust, and the future of NCT itself.
As fans await further developments, the scandal continues to send shockwaves throughout the K-pop world, leaving a lasting impact on both the artist's career and the group’s image.
