Former NCT Taeil Says He’s Broke and Working a Part-Time Job — Public Isn’t Buying It
Former NCT member Moon Taeil, who was expelled from both his group and agency following charges of aggravated rape involving a foreign woman, shared details of his current life during his first court hearing — but the public isn’t convinced.
On June 18, Moon Taeil appeared before the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, alongside two co-defendants. All three have admitted to the charges under the Special Act on Sexual Violence Crimes. Prosecutors requested a seven-year prison sentence, public disclosure of their identities, and a 10-year employment restriction.
In court, Taeil appeared in a plain black outfit and introduced himself by saying, “I used to be a singer, but I’ve been removed from my company.” When asked about his current occupation, he said, “I’m just helping out at a friend’s restaurant.”
His legal team expanded on that statement, saying Taeil’s mother had lost her job due to the scandal, and that the family was now in a difficult financial position.
“Taeil is doing light part-time work at a friend’s restaurant just to help support the family. They’re struggling to make ends meet,” the defense said.
They portrayed this work not as a casual job, but as a last resort to stay afloat after being cast out of the industry.
They also emphasized Taeil’s efforts to reflect and rehabilitate:
“He’s attending sex crime prevention courses and receiving psychological counseling. He voluntarily submitted himself to the investigation and fully cooperated with authorities. He has sincerely apologized to the victim, who expressed that she no longer wishes to pursue punishment.”
Taeil himself addressed the court with an emotional plea:
“I deeply regret the pain I’ve caused the victim and all those who were disappointed in me. If I’m given leniency, I’ll treat this as the last opportunity of my life and live honestly, no matter the job.”
However, one viral tweet summed up how many netizens are reacting.
@wangyubab wrote,
“Moon Taeil, you worthless piece of shit. You leeched off one of K-pop’s top-tier groups for years without an ounce of presence, made all your money doing nothing — and now you expect us to feel bad because you’re flipping tables at your friend’s restaurant? Don’t play the victim. You’re a fucking nightmare.”
The post has racked up over 500,000 views and 7,900 retweets, highlighting the public’s total rejection of Taeil’s attempt at damage control.
With sentencing scheduled for July 10, the court will soon deliver its final verdict. But for much of the public, the story seems already over — and the sympathy is nowhere to be found.
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