The first hearing of his appeal trial, former NCT member Taeil, was held today. The disgraced K-pop idol was previously sentenced to 3.5 years in prison after being declared guilty of aggravated r*pe. Two of Taeil’s acquaintances were also arrested on the same charges. Later, Taeil’s legal team requested an appeal trial, which was held today. Read on to know what happened.
NCT’s Taeil Pleads For Mercy In Appeal Trial
During the first hearing of the appeal trial, former NCT member Taeil admitted to charges of s*xual assault and offered his sincere apology to the victim. Taeil, along with two acquaintances, were convicted of special quasi-rape under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of S*xual Crimes. It is alleged that the trio’s victim was a foreign woman of Chinese origin.
They reportedly met the victim at an Itaewon club in 2014 when she was heavily intoxicated. In his statement during the appeal trial, Taeil said, “I acknowledge all my sins and reflect on them. Above all, I know that words or actions cannot completely heal the wounds the victim feels. Nevertheless, I take this opportunity to offer my sincere apology.” The former idol then went on to repent his actions by saying, “I will live the rest of my life atoning for my sins. I will never commit a crime again. I will live honestly, never forgetting the weight of the law. I once again apologise for the harm I have caused. I am truly sorry.”
Taeil’s appeal trial is currently underway, with the court’s verdict set to be announced on October 17. Many prosecutors have also argued that Taeil’s current sentence is too light and demand that it be extended to at least 7 years.
Also Read: Former NCT Member Taeil’s Court Date Scheduled For Appeal Trial In Aggravated Rape Case
About Taeil
Taeil first debuted in the K-pop industry as a part of SM Entertainment’s group NCT U and later as a member of NCT 127. He was known for his vocal talent and stage presence; however, when the idol’s s*xual harassment case was exposed in 2024, he was removed both from his group and the company.
Also Read: Former NCT Member Taeil’s S*xual Assault Case Moves To Appeal Court After Prison Verdict