Taeil removed from NCT for unspecified “sexual crime”

K-pop boy band NCT splits up with Taeil after the singer was accused of a “sexual crime.”

The group's label, SM Entertainment, announced the news in an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, August 28.

According to the English translation of the Associated Press statement originally published in Korean, the 30-year-old musician is no longer part of the group.

The statement, which has been viewed over 88 million times, said Taeil's departure came after SM Entertainment learned that he was “charged in a criminal case related to a sex crime,” according to the AP's translation.

However, the label has specified which specific crime the former NCT member is accused of.

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

SM Entertainment also noted that the singer is cooperating with the police investigation, the AP reported. The outlet also reported that a criminal case against Taeil and a “sex crime” could not be independently verified, and stated that authorities would not comment on the matter.

A representative for NCT did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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Taeil was a founding member of NCT (Neo Culture Technology), which was formed in 2016. He was also part of one of its subgroups, NCT 127.

As reported by BillboardNews of Taeil's unidentified crime and his departure from the group comes after two other members of NCT 127, Johnny and Haechan, were accused of being involved in a sex scandal earlier this summer, which SM Entertainment denies.

The label also threatened to take legal action against online users who had commented on the allegations, the portal reported.

“We have already collected sufficient evidence on numerous posts relating to these matters,” the label said in a statement at the time. “We will not overlook such criminal acts and will take legal action against those involved without leniency or compromise, regardless of their nationality.”

The news of Taeil's exit also comes after his activities in the boy band were limited – including not participating in NCT 127's Neo City – The Unity Tour, which began in November – after he sustained injuries in a serious motorcycle accident last August, according to Billboard.