After SM Entertainment announced Taeil's withdrawal from NCT.

The Bangbae Police Station also released its position. 

On Aug. 28, the K-pop industry was shocked by the abrupt notice of Taeil's departure from NCT due to reported sexual offense.

In the official statement released by SM, the label stated:

"We were recently notified that Taeil was sued for a criminal case related to a sexual crime.

While looking into the facts related to the matter, we realized that it was very serious and determined that he could no longer continue his team activities. 

After discussing it with Taeil, we decided on his withdrawal from the team.

Taeil is currently cooperating faithfully with the police investigation. We will provide further information as the investigation progresses. We deeply apologize for the concern and distress caused by our artist."

SM엔터테인먼트입니다. pic.twitter.com/28XapiFuOk

— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) August 28, 2024

ALSO READ: NCT Taeil Injured In Car Accident + SM Entertainment Releases Statement

In the meantime, Taeil is still an artist under SM, but his future is yet to be determined after the result of the police investigation.

The idol joined NCT in 2016 and was active in sub-units NCT U and NCT 127 before his official departure.

Meanwhile, while SM didn't specify the cause of his removal, initial reports claim that his case is related to a sexual offense against a minor of the same sex. 

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In response to this, the Bangbae Police Station, which is currently handling Taeil's case, refuted this and released an initial comment, saying:

"This investigation is not related to an investigation into sexual crimes against minors of the same gender."

Lee In Chun, the director of the youth and women’s division at the Bangbae Police Station, added:

"I am currently at home after leaving work. I will look into the certain information uploaded into the server tomorrow (Aug. 29th)."

Following this news, K-pop fans in Korea and abroad were in disbelief. Just last month, the fandom celebrated the release of NCT 127's 6th regular album, "WALK," which became more special with Taeil's participation after his motorbike accident last year. 

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In August 2023, he was injured after being hit by a car violating the traffic light while riding his motorbike. He sustained a fracture in his right thigh and underwent surgery. 

Because of this, he temporarily suspended his activities and sat out of NCT 127's world tour, which started in November

Prior to his sexual offense scandal, NCTzens was also delighted after Taeil attended NCT 127's 8th debut anniversary fan meeting held on Aug. 3rd and 4th, just 3 weeks ago.

READ MORE: NCT Taeil Draws Mixed Reactions After Motorcycle Accident: 'It's a nuisance to other members'

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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz