Prosecutors Seek 7-Year Sentence for Former NCT Member Taeil, Reject “Drunken Mistake” Defense
Was It Really Impulsive? Prosecution Disputes Taeil’s Claims in Aggravated Rape Trial
In the first hearing of former NCT member Moon Taeil’s aggravated rape case, the prosecution argued that the crime was not an impulsive act as claimed by the defense but a premeditated and coordinated offense, citing digital evidence and the timeline of events. The court will deliver its verdict on July 10.
Background of the Case
On June 13, 2024, Moon Taeil and two male acquaintances allegedly met an adult foreign female tourist at a bar in Itaewon around 2:30 AM. The prosecution stated that the men, who were friends, drank with the victim before forcibly dragging her into a taxi and taking her to one of the defendants’ residences in Bangbae-dong. There, between 4:00 and 4:30 AM, the three allegedly committed gang rape while the victim was unconscious from intoxication.
The case remained under investigation for two months. Seoul’s Bangbae Police attempted to detain the suspects, but the court denied the arrest warrant, citing their cooperation during the investigation. The defendants were eventually indicted without detention on February 28, 2025, under charges of aggravated rape by multiple perpetrators, in violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
Prosecution’s Key Arguments
At the trial on June 12, 2025, the prosecution requested a 7-year prison sentence for each of the three defendants. They emphasized the crime’s severity, calling it “a group sexual assault of a complete stranger—an intoxicated foreign tourist met in a club.”
One of the prosecution’s most critical arguments against the claim of spontaneity centered on group chat messages, which showed the defendants discussing how to manipulate GPS records to mislead potential investigations. “They knowingly redirected the taxi’s drop-off point to a different location, clearly aware of the victim’s foreign nationality,” the prosecutor said. “That alone refutes the notion that this was unplanned.”
The prosecutor added, “Meeting a foreign tourist at 2 AM in Itaewon, then convincing her to come to a villa in Bangbae-dong for more drinking—this is hardly something that happens by accident.”
They also pushed back against the defense’s claim of voluntary confession. “The defendants only submitted written apologies after a search and seizure had already been conducted. This is not a valid legal confession under the definition of self-surrender. It misrepresents the spirit and intent of what qualifies as voluntary admission.”
Defense Response and Plea for Leniency
The defense acknowledged the charges and argued that the act was not pre-planned but a result of impaired judgment after excessive drinking. They highlighted that the victim had submitted a non-prosecution agreement after a difficult settlement process and emphasized the defendants’ remorse.
Moon Taeil’s legal team stressed his cooperation with the investigation and cited his participation in psychological counseling and sexual violence prevention programs. They also detailed hardships faced by his family, including his mother’s recent resignation and financial instability.
Moon Taeil, who had continued participating in entertainment activities even after the date of the alleged crime, apologized during the final statement. “I deeply regret and feel sorry for the harm caused to the victim and to everyone who placed their trust in me. If I am granted leniency, I will treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to atone and live diligently.”
Public Backlash and Aftermath
Moon Taeil was expelled from NCT and had his contract with SM Entertainment terminated on October 15, 2024. At the time, SM stated that his criminal case constituted a breach of contract and that he could no longer be trusted as an artist.
Controversy escalated when it was revealed that Taeil had continued promotional activities, including recording sessions and fan events, even after being informed of the investigation. He held an Instagram Live session just a day after the police complaint, thanking fans and celebrating his birthday without disclosing the ongoing criminal allegations.
The court’s verdict, set for July 10, is expected to address not only the legal charges but also whether the nature of the crime aligns with the defendants’ claim of spontaneity or the prosecution’s insistence on calculated intent.
Previous article about Former NCT member Taeil > Former NCT Member Moon Taeil Trial: Guilty to Gang Rape of Chinese Woman – Prosecutors Seek 7-Year Sentence
