Last year, NCT (엔시티) fans were shocked to learn that now-former member Taeil (문태일) was arrested for aggravated sexual assault. He has since been charged with the crime and sentenced to three years in jail, but the singer obviously won’t accept it without a fight.
News outlets have recently reported that Taeil, whose real name is Moon Taeil, has appealed his three-year and six-month sentence. The appeal was submitted to the Supreme Court on 24th October 2025 (Friday). The singer submitted the appeal through his legal representatives, challenging his sentence in his second trial. The two accomplices to the crime have also reportedly filed appeals for their charges.
For those unaware, Taeil and two accomplices face jail time after being accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated Chinese female tourist on 13th June 2024. The former SM Entertainment idol pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years and six months in prison in July 2025. He would later appeal his sentence twice, but the court dismissed both appeals, maintaining his sentence.
According to reports, Taeil tried to appeal for a reduced sentence by submitting a letter of apology. The disgraced idol also mentioned reaching an agreement with the victim, claiming that she didn’t want further punishment levied. In addition to jail time, Taeil will also have to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and face a five-year ban on employment at institutions related to children, youth, and the disabled.
Online, netizens are angry that Taeil has repeatedly tried to appeal his sentence. Many were already outraged over his three-year jail term, calling it too lax for the severity of his crime. Some even pointed out that individuals have faced harsher punishment for drug cases, arguing that Taeil’s punishment shows how little regard the South Korean justice system has for sexual assault cases, particularly with female victims.
For now, only time will tell what the result of Taeil’s appeal will be. What are your thoughts on this?
Sources: Maeil Business Newspaper, Twitter
