Former NCT member Taeil appeals 3.5-year prison sentence

K-pop idol Moon Taeil's legal team and prosecutors have filed appeals against the prison sentence he received for special quasi-rape.

According to local media reports, Taeil's appeal was submitted on July 16, just one day after prosecutors and his two co-defendants also filed their appeals.

The former NCT member was accused of a sexual crime involving a female foreign tourist.

Taeil and his two co-defendants admitted to all charges during the first trial and were handed down a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence by the Seoul Central District Court last July 10. The judgment also includes a mandatory 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and a five-year employment ban in any organization dealing with children or adolescents.

"The victim was in a state of helplessness due to intoxication, and the crime was committed at Mr. Lee’s residence. The foreign tourist is experiencing significant psychological trauma as she was assaulted in an unfamiliar place. However, the court considered the fact that the defendants were first-time offenders and that the victim did not wish to pursue punishment as favorable factors,” the court said.

The trio was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing.

In June, prosecutors sought a seven-year sentence for Taeil, Lee, and Hong. The former idol asked for leniency and, if granted, said he would consider it the "last chance" of his life to contribute to society.

The K-pop star, whose real name is Moon Taeil, debuted with NCT in April 2016 and was part of sub-units NCT U and NCT 127. He has been on hiatus since August 2023 following a motorcycle accident injury.

In October 2024, SM Entertainment terminated its contract with Taeil amid sexual assault allegations.