South Korean singer Taeil has left the popular K-pop group NCT following allegations of sexual misconduct, as confirmed by his label, SM Entertainment, on Wednesday.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), SM Entertainment announced that Taeil’s departure was necessary due to the seriousness of the allegations. “After careful consideration and discussions with Taeil, we have decided that he will no longer continue with group activities,” the statement read. The label also confirmed that Taeil is cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation.
Taeil was a key member of NCT, a globally renowned boy band that debuted in 2016 and is known for its innovative music spanning various genres. NCT, short for Neo Culture Technology, consists of multiple subunits, including NCT 127, in which Taeil was recently active. The group has gained international acclaim, with several of its releases charting on Billboard.
This incident marks the latest controversy for NCT, with Taeil being the fourth member to leave the group in recent years under contentious circumstances. Earlier in 2024, SM Entertainment had to address and deny allegations involving other members in a separate scandal.
The announcement of Taeil’s departure has drawn widespread attention, with SM Entertainment’s statement receiving over 45 million views within hours. Although the specific details of the allegations remain undisclosed, the case underscores the intense scrutiny faced by K-pop idols in the public eye.
K-pop, a genre that originated in South Korea, blends elements of pop, R&B, and hip-hop with the country’s cultural influences. It has evolved into a global phenomenon, particularly with the success of groups like BTS in the late 2010s.
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