NCT’s Taeyong officially completed his military service on December 14, marking a major milestone not only for him but also for the group as a whole.
Taeyong, who enlisted in the Navy on April 14, 2024, became the first NCT member to finish mandatory service. His discharge quickly went viral, particularly after emotional moments showing him reunited with his parents captured fans’ attention online.
Wasting no time, Taeyong has already resumed activities. His appearance at a New Year’s event in Thailand has been confirmed, and he also held a welcome-back livestream where he discussed future plans, reflected on his time in the military, and interacted warmly with fellow NCT members.
However, one specific detail from his post-discharge content has drawn significant attention its connection to former member Taeil.
In August 2024, Taeil officially left NCT following revelations of a sex crime. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to three years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated rape. The assault reportedly took place in June 2024.
At the time, Taeil continued participating in group schedules before his departure, which resulted in him appearing alongside current members at various events, including NCT’s anniversary fan meeting. Taeyong was also present at the event and took a group photo with the members, including Taeil.
That same image later appeared in a photobook documenting moments from Taeyong’s military service but with a notable change. Taeil had been completely edited out of the photo.
Fans were quick to notice the difference, sharing side-by-side comparisons online. Many expressed appreciation for the decision, praising the attention to detail and the clear stance taken in removing the former member who was convicted of a serious crime.
For many fans, the quiet but deliberate erasure was seen as respectful and appropriate, reinforcing the group’s separation from Taeil while allowing Taeyong’s long-awaited return to remain the focus.
As Taeyong moves forward with new schedules and activities, his return symbolizes both a fresh chapter for him and a moment of reflection for fans on how the industry addresses accountability and legacy within idol groups.
Sources: Koreaboo
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