Former NCT member Taeil faces 1st trial in quasi-rape case; some fans continue to show support

Trigger warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual assault and legal proceedings related to aggravated quasi-rape. Reader discretion is advised.

Former NCT member Moon Tae Il, professionally known as Taeil, is set to attend his first court hearing today (June 18) at around 11 AM KST (7:30 AM IST) at the Seoul Central District Court. The session was originally scheduled for May 12 but was postponed. This marks the first major update involving Taeil in months, especially as he faces charges of aggravated quasi-rape under the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

Many K-pop fans have been curious about his whereabouts and the progress of the investigation, yet the case has received surprisingly little to no media attention in South Korea despite its serious nature. While a significant portion of the public has expressed outrage toward Taeil, the former SM Entertainment idol still appears to have support from some of his most devoted fans.

What did Taeil do?

In June of last year, the former idol allegedly participated in the sexual assault of an intoxicated woman, along with two other individuals. Reports state that the victim was in a state of unconsciousness or otherwise unable to resist. Due to the involvement of multiple suspects, the offense has been classified as aggravated quasi-rape under the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

The case moved forward in March, when the Women and Children Crimes Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office - led by Chief Prosecutor Kim Ji Hye - formally indicted all three without placing them in custody.

Taeil faces criticism - and support - online

On social media (formerly known as Twitter), there appears to be a clear divide. While the majority are calling for him to face jail time, a few users continue to show support.

Some users have expressed anger and a desire for accountability. "NCT Taeil. They better put him in jail forever," one wrote bluntly.

Nct taeil . They better put him in jail forever pic.twitter.com/RFTVUekfeD

¡ª ???? carathae (@10_10horangi) June 17, 2025

Another echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Rest in hell, Moon Taeil."

Rest in hell, moon taeil ? https://t.co/dGgMTpgaJk

¡ª nininia (@skibidinia) June 16, 2025

Others, however, continue to defend him or struggle with the situation. "Taeil, it's absolutely fine. Everything will work out. I believe you're innocent," one supporter reassured.

Taeil, it¡¯s absolutely fine, everything will work out.
I believe you¡¯re innocent.

¡ª A day of the moon (@Adayofthem64679) June 17, 2025

Another said, "Ok, I like the transparency, but I hate all the pressure Taeil has to deal with."

Ok. I like the transparency.
But I hate all the pressure that Taeil has to deal with.

¡ª Meta.Moon ? (@metaMoonTi) June 17, 2025

Some reactions highlighted the internal conflict within the fandom. "I started stanning NCT while Taeil was on hiatus ¡ª I've never cared for him. NCTzens don't want to be known as the rapist group when he¡¯s not even part of NCT anymore, but a lot of them still hate on him, wish him dead, etc. His trial is tomorrow, so hopefully he'll go to jail."

i started stanning nct while taeil was on hiatus i have never cared for him. nctzens dont want to be known as the rapist group when he is not even in nct anymore but a lot of them still hate on him, wish him dead ect... and his trial is tomorrow so hopefully he will go to jail.

¡ª talia? ? | seeing skz & jin (@t4esanbnd) June 17, 2025

Meanwhile, a few still expressed longing for the idol. "I hope to see Moon Taeil again tomorrow, or on June 18 KST. I miss him so much. Goodnight to my Moon Taeil (in Hou) only," a fan shared.

I hope to see Moon Taeil again tom or Jun 18 kst. I miss him so much. Goodnight to my Moon Taeil (in Hou) only pic.twitter.com/KXIOh9805F

¡ª Rain (Ateez's ??) (@aintcominback2u) June 17, 2025

More about Taeil

The idol made his debut in 2016 with NCT U and later became a key member of NCT 127. However, after allegations of his involvement in a sexual assault case surfaced, SM Entertainment officially ended his contract and removed him from all NCT activities in October 2024.

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