Former NCT Member Taeil Faces Appeals Trial Amid Public Backlash and Online Controversy

Former NCT member Taeil faces an appeals trial on September 17.
The case involves aggravated quasi-rape charges from 2024.
Public outrage grows as fans condemn his appeal and online rumors.

The controversy surrounding former NCT member Taeil has once again ignited heated debate across social media after news broke that he is set to appear in court for an appeals trial this September. The case, which involves charges of aggravated quasi-rape under South Korea’s Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, has not only shaken fans but also sparked wider discussions about accountability, media coverage, and the dangers of baseless online comparisons.

According to the Seoul High Court, the first hearing of Taeil’s appeal is scheduled for September 17 KST, almost two months after he filed for a retrial. Both Taeil and two acquaintances were previously convicted of sexually assaulting an intoxicated foreign national in Itaewon in June 2024. Prosecutors accused them of taking the unconscious victim to a private residence in Banpo-dong, where the assault occurred.

At the first trial in July 2025, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Taeil and his accomplices to three years and six months in prison, alongside mandatory sexual violence treatment programs and a five-year ban from jobs involving minors. Prosecutors had initially demanded seven years, plus stricter restrictions. Both the prosecution and defendants appealed, setting the stage for the upcoming second trial.

Case Background and Legal Proceedings

The case first emerged in mid-2024 when the victim reported the assault to the police. Taeil was indicted in March 2025 without detention. Despite admitting guilt, the defendants were not taken into custody immediately, with the court citing low flight risk. SM Entertainment later terminated Taeil’s contract in October 2024, stating that “trust has been irrevocably broken.”

During his defense, Taeil expressed remorse:

“I deeply regret the harm caused to the victim and sincerely apologize to everyone I’ve disappointed.”

His lawyers added that he had undergone counseling and attempted reconciliation through an apology delivered to the victim’s representative. Prosecutors, however, dismissed the move as insincere, stressing the planned nature of the crime:

“This was a gang rape against a foreign tourist. The defendants deliberately relocated her after meeting her at a club. It was a grave offense with extremely poor moral character.”

Adding to the public outrage, recent reports confirm that Taeil is now appealing the sentence, with some fans shocked that he is still not in detention. Comments from Instagram users reflect frustration:

“So he hasn’t gone to jail yet???”

“This ruined my morning the moment I saw his photo.”

“Such an eyesore to see.”

“Only three years in prison, and he still dares to appeal? Unreal 💀”

“He should just accept his sentence instead of filing appeals.”

Online Reactions and the Dangerous Comparisons

While Taeil’s legal battle continues, another storm erupted online after certain X (Twitter) users made disturbing comparisons between BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung) and Taeil. These posts implied “similar vibes,” drawing sharp criticism for irresponsibly linking an innocent idol to a convicted criminal.

Fans were outraged:

“Tf bro?? Comparing Taehyung with that rapist Taeil?? Are these people okay in their head??”

“Comparing someone innocent simply based on ‘vibes’ to a literal criminal is disgusting.”

“Comparing Taehyung with a monster like Taeil is crazy. How unhappy do you have to be?”

“They are mentally sick for sure. Do they realise these claims can ruin someone’s life?”

Others highlighted the pattern of malicious targeting against BTS:

“These people have been despising Taehyung for a long time, wishing him and BTS to turn out to be bad guys.”

“The way 70% of the comments are about BTS… I’m waiting for karma to do its thing.”

This wave of backlash underscores the toxic culture of rumor-spreading, where unfounded claims can damage reputations overnight. Despite BTS’s global influence, their members are not immune to baseless slander. Many fans urged mass reporting of such content.

As Taeil prepares for his appeals trial on September 17, public anger remains strong, fueled both by the severity of the crime and his decision to seek a reduced sentence. Meanwhile, the online discourse around comparing him to other idols, particularly BTS’s V, shows how quickly misinformation can spiral into harmful narratives.

The case continues to highlight broader issues: the treatment of sexual crimes in South Korea’s legal system, the role of entertainment companies in accountability, and the ethical responsibilities of fans and netizens in shaping online spaces.

Whether Taeil’s appeal leads to a reduced sentence or not, one thing is clear: both his crime and the reckless comparisons involving unrelated idols have left deep scars on the K-pop community.

Sources: Allkpop, Herald Pop, Seoul High Court reports