Taeil removed from NCT after accusation of sex crime

K-pop star Moon Taeil, known as Taeil, is expelled from boy band NCT due to allegations of sexual crimesaid the group's label.

SM Entertainment released a statement on X early Wednesday saying Taeil, 30, was “charged in a criminal case related to a sex crime,” but did not provide further details.

“We have recognized the seriousness of the issue and have decided that Taeil can no longer continue with the team's activities,” the label said. “We have discussed this matter with Taeil and it has been decided that he will leave the group.”

However, according to a report in Korea JoongAng Daily, his contract with the label was not terminated.

Both the agency and Taeil are cooperating with law enforcement, SM Entertainment said.

The label promised to “make further statements as the investigation progresses” and apologized to fans “for the concern and distress our artist has caused.”

According to the Associated Press, South Korean police declined to comment.

NCT, or Neo Culture Technology, debuted in 2016 and consists of several subgroups. Taeil was also part of the subgroup NCT 127, which released its sixth studio album, “Walk,” in July. He has also contributed solo pieces to several South Korean film soundtracks.

According to Billboard, he missed the group's tour last fall while recovering from a serious injury sustained in a motorcycle accident.

SM Entertainment had previously defended two other NCT members – Johnny and Haechan – when rumors of another sex scandal emerged on social media.