Moon was questioned at the Seoul Bangbae Police Station and transferred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office on Sep 12th. It is reported that the prosecution has not yet summoned Moon.
According to our news outlet’s investigation, Moon was indicted in June on charges of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman with two acquaintances. Moon was summoned for investigation on Aug 28th, two months after the indictment. It is said that none of his accomplices are public figures.
Special rape applies when two or more individuals, or individuals possessing a weapon, engage in non-consensual sexual activity with a person who is incapacitated or unable to resist. If found guilty, it is punishable by at least seven years of imprisonment or life imprisonment under Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
SM Entertainment released an official statement after Moon’s appearance at the police station, stating, “We have confirmed that Taeil has been accused of a criminal case related to sexual assault. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, we have decided, after discussions with Taeil, that he will leave the team and cease his activities.”
Fans expressed their frustration “If the crime is serious enough for the agency to immediately discuss his departure, the details should be made public”, but SM Entertainment has not provided further clarification.
Some fans called for severe punishment “Since this is a crime with a clear victim, we hope for strict penalties” and criticized Taeil, questioning, “Is it that hard to just not commit a crime?” Some fans even took action by cutting up Taeil’s photo cards and sharing videos of this on social media.
Taeil made his debut in April 2016 as part of SM Entertainment’s boy group ‘NCT’ under the sub-unit ‘NCT U.’ He gained particular popularity in Japan and China and later became active in another sub-unit, NCT 127.
In early August, Taeil participated in NCT 127’s 8th-anniversary fan meeting held at Seoul’s Jamsil Indoor Stadium and also contributed to the group’s recently released full-length album, signaling a return to activities.
Regarding Taeil’s charges of special rape, an SM representative stated, “Since the case is currently under investigation, it is difficult to comment on the matter.“
Source: Nate
