Former NCT member Taeil sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for sexual assault
The prosecution, emphasising the severity of the case, had requested a seven-year sentence for each defendant. Prosecutors argued that the victim was deliberately placed in a taxi bound for a location different from the crime scene to prevent her from recalling details or facilitating police investigation. They noted that the defendants intentionally exploited the fact that the victim was a foreign national.In response, Taeil's legal team expressed remorse, and noted that he had personally conveyed an apology through his court-appointed attorney. His defense highlighted his participation in preventive education programs and psychological counselling since the incident. His team also cited family hardship, noting that his mother had resigned from her job and that Taeil was only able to support the family through part-time work at a friend's restaurant.In his final statement to the court as quoted by Korean media, Taeil said, 'I am deeply sorry to everyone I have disappointed. If granted leniency, I will treat it as the last chance of my life and do everything I can to contribute meaningfully to society.'Taeil debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT U and gained popularity as part of SM Entertainment's boy groups NCT and NCT 127. In August 2024, SM Entertainment confirmed his involvement in the case and announced his departure from the group.- EndsYou May Also Like
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