South Korean media's silence on NCT Taeil's sexual offence case for 2 months sparks outrage among K-Pop fans
Trigger Warning: Descriptions of rape and sexual assault.
Updated : August 29, 2024 01:47 PM ISTTrigger Warning: Descriptions of rape and sexual assault.
NCT Taeil
Trigger Warning: Descriptions of rape and sexual assault.
While South Korea has been dealing with the widespread issue of illegal, sexually exploitative deepfake images of young women and girls circulating on Telegram, the recent news involving NCT's Taeil has intensified fans' outrage. The situation was exacerbated by the revelation from the Seoul Bangbae Police Station that a woman reported Taeil for a sexual offence in June this year. According to Allkpop, SM Entertainment, Taeil's agency, stated that they were only informed of the criminal investigation in mid-August.
ALSO READ | Taeil leaves NCT following his involvement in a criminal case related to sex crimes; K-Pop fans react
The police clarified that the investigation did not involve sexual crimes against minors or members of the same gender but withheld further details at that time. However, according to things circulating on social media, no one believes the police and SM Entertainment.
An SM Entertainment representative explained, "Both SM Entertainment and Taeil were notified of the criminal investigation in mid-August. Taeil was subsequently summoned for questioning on August 28 KST." Although the police received the report in June, they did not inform Taeil about the investigation until August.
People were saying "let it marinate",,,we did and this is the Top5 trending articles on Naver after 17 hours of the statement release,, https://t.co/5U9nvFC8MO pic.twitter.com/W8UrxQRSLx
— Rize⁷ (kinda ia) (@rize07addict) August 29, 2024
The delay in public disclosure of Taeil’s case has caused widespread confusion online, as many are questioning why the issue wasn't reported sooner despite the investigation starting in June. As the scandal unfolded, netizens began scrutinizing Taeil's past, including his alleged club activities.
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Many K-pop fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) are questioning the extent of SM Entertainment's influence over media coverage, with some expressing frustration over the lack of articles on such a significant issue. There is growing concern about the limited media coverage following Taeil’s removal from the group amid such serious allegations.
taeil should honestly get the same kind of treatment kris wu got or even worse than that. but oh well south korea's law, media, people and most importantly sm sucks
— shree⁷ (@taeberee) August 29, 2024
I’m just dumbfounded about Taeil being booked in June and it going under wraps for basically two months… two months of him doing activities without SM kicking him out. Radio silence from media, no “idol A from boygroup B booked for SA..?”
— Ebony Darkness (@geewayluver) August 29, 2024
pelecehan seksual, ngeretas hp si korban, naruh kamera tersembunyi buat korban, nyuruh korban mati dan udah dilakukan selama 6 tahun? terus selama hiatus sempet-sempetnya clubbinng yang dimana sesama member nya lagi kerja buat comeback mereka????! brengsek juga kelakuan lu taeil pic.twitter.com/GBQdoMxqtz
— hugo (@uursxtoy) August 28, 2024
nct and sm as a whole need to be investigated bc how were they radio silent for 2 MONTHS and even allowed taeil to be near fans
— jae !! 🥷🏾 (@lhcgta) August 29, 2024
being booked for sexual offenses, yet still able to participate in comebacks or engage with fans for 2, almost 3 months? Taeil and SM I hope you rot in hell.
— shadow⁷,, 🦋 (@lgbtmanic) August 29, 2024
no cuz SM knew about it for 2 months and covered it, let him participate in the cb, let him interact with fans and kids knowing he was being investigated for sexual crimes and just today decided to tell everybody else?!?! FUCK MOON TAEIL AND FUCK @SMTOWNGLOBAL https://t.co/xO31oVppsl
— cynthia 𓏲๋࣭࣪˖ (@lomltaemin) August 29, 2024
In response to the scandal, fans have reacted strongly, with many withdrawing their support for Taeil. Numerous fan sites dedicated to him have shut down, and some fans have even destroyed merchandise, including burning photo cards. Taeil's Instagram follower count has seen a significant drop, losing around 500,000 followers since the news broke.
I'm so sorry.. but it's very disappointing. Fuck you Moon Taeil. 🖕🏻 pic.twitter.com/8eFTNgNVd3
— V (@foraeriyuten) August 28, 2024
I literally have I migraine from this whole situation
— liz ☾ (@kboppitysan1ty) August 29, 2024
I biased Taeil the moment I got into nct and I’m so disappointed and I rlly don’t know how to feel rn
I feel sorry for others who used to bias him too
but fuck him genuinely I hope the victim(s) heals & gets justice 😕
mas bul.. ehh taeil im sorry but i'm so disappointed with you!! sumpahh ini lebih nyesek berkali-kali lipat😭🥺 I can't believe you could do that...💔 pic.twitter.com/lk9QxvzgWT
— 𝙖𝙮𝙪𝙬 🐈🐈⬛ 19.99 (@_meongnyangzz) August 28, 2024
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of assault or sexual offense, please contact the authorities or reach out to a relevant NGO for support. Numerous helplines are available to provide assistance and guidance.