9bic debuted in 2019 under WAIWAI Inc., and like many idol groups, has undergone several lineup changes over the years. One of its later additions was Taiga Sasaki, who joined the group in June 2024.
However, his career took a sudden turn in November 2025. At just 19 years old, Taiga was arrested for trespassing into a women-only public bath area at a hotel without permission. Reports stated that he remained inside for around 10 minutes before being discovered. Following the incident, he admitted to the charges, and his agency swiftly terminated his contract, officially removing him from 9bic on November 5, 2025.
Just four months later, Taiga has resurfaced this time under the stage name “Yeah Taiga” as a member of a new six-member group called Zavage. The group is set to hold their debut live performance on May 19 at Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo.
On March 24, Taiga reintroduced himself to the public through a new X (formerly Twitter) account, sharing a promotional image that maintained the polished “prince-like” idol image he was previously known for.
His sudden return has not gone unnoticed. Many Japanese netizens quickly connected the dots, including the well-known online account DEATHDOL NOTE, which spotlighted his past scandal. A post highlighting Taiga’s identity alongside a news screenshot about his arrest quickly gained significant traction, amassing over 15,000 likes.
The situation has since sparked criticism, with some pointing out that Taiga has yet to publicly apologize for the incident. While a portion of fans remain open to giving him a second chance, others question whether such a swift comeback is appropriate.
As the debate continues, Taiga’s re-debut raises broader questions about accountability, redemption, and how quickly the entertainment industry and its audience are willing to move on from controversy.
Sources: Koreaboo
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