Are NCT fans trying to cover up Taeil's sexual crime scandal? ARMY believe BTS' SUGA is again target to divert attention

Trigger Warning: Descriptions of rape and sexual assault.

Just a week ago, Taeil from the K-pop group NCT was considered one of the most admired figures, with many fans supporting him. However, one announcement changed everything, revealing his true colours. He was removed from the group after being placed under police investigation for a sexual crime.

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While many of his fans have distanced themselves and are no longer supporting him, a portion still believes he is innocent and that his agency and others are trying to frame him. What's interesting is that Taeil's scandal has received very little coverage in South Korean media, which has led K-pop fans, especially ARMY, to question the media's credibility.

On the one hand, the South Korean media harshly criticized BTS rapper SUGA simply for falling off a kickboard while under the influence of alcohol. Meanwhile, Taeil, who seems to still have the backing of his agency, has raised suspicions about SM Entertainment's strong influence over media outlets.

ALSO READ | South Korean media's silence on NCT Taeil's sexual offence case for 2 months sparks outrage among K-Pop fans

Moreover, ARMY has been sharing on X (formerly known as Twitter) that, despite SUGA's case nearing its end, protest trucks were still being sent outside HYBE Labels. A user on X wrote, "A person who planned to send a protest truck to SUGA was found on the list of 1,250 people invited to the NCT Festival. It has been confirmed through various sources that this woman is an NCT fan, and she also organized a second round of fundraising to send the truck after the sexual misconduct case involving NCT's Moon Taeil." 

ARMY are questioning why SUGA is becoming the target to divert attention, especially from a case involving sexual crimes.

Talks Around Taeil's Case:

Soon after the announcement, rumours about the case and the victim began circulating online. Some suggested that the victim, born in 2006, had been harassed by Taeil since she was a minor, while others claimed that Taeil had sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl, causing permanent disability. Additional speculation included allegations of blackmail, death threats, phone hacking, secret cameras, and threats against the victim's hospitalized mother.

ALSO READ | Taeil leaves NCT following his involvement in a criminal case related to sex crimes; K-Pop fans react

However, the Seoul Bangbae Police Station has since addressed some of these rumours and confirmed that Taeil was booked following a report filed by an adult woman in June 2024 concerning an alleged sexual offence.

Following the police statement, an SM Entertainment source stated, "The agency and Taeil were informed of the indictment around the middle of this month. Taeil was investigated by the police on August 28." Beyond these statements, no further details have been confirmed.

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