A member of the popular K-pop group NCT has left the band after being accused of involvement in an unspecified sexual crime.
The news was confirmed by the group's label, SM Entertainment, on Wednesday.
Speaking on X (formerly known as Twitter), the label confirmed that 30-year-old Taeil has been implicated in a criminal case involving a sexual offense, although specific details of the accusation were not disclosed.
"Given the seriousness of the matter, we have determined that he will no longer continue with team activities," SM Entertainment stated.
"After thorough discussions with him, it was decided that his departure from the group is necessary." The agency also assured that the artist is fully cooperating with police investigations.
The departure marks a significant moment for NCT, a globally recognized boy band that debuted in 2016.
The group, which has more than two dozen members, is known for its various subunits, including NCT 127, where the now-departed member was recently active.
SM's announcement quickly gained attention, with the label's statement racking up over 57.3 million views within three hours.
The report of a criminal case could not be independently verified, and police are yet to comment.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
