Former NCT member Moon Taeil has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison after his appeal was dismissed in the appellate court. The Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 11-3 ruled on October 17 that both the prosecution and defense appeals were without merit, upholding the original sentence delivered in July.
Taeil, along with two accomplices surnamed Lee and Hong, was convicted under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes for the aggravated sexual assault of an intoxicated foreign woman in June last year. All three men received the same sentence — three years and six months in prison — along with a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and a five-year employment restriction in institutions involving minors or youth.
During the hearing, Taeil appeared in court wearing a brown prison uniform, keeping his head bowed throughout the proceedings. Despite submitting seven handwritten letters of apology just days before the sentencing, the court found no grounds for leniency.
The defense argued that the defendants had turned themselves in and therefore deserved a lighter sentence, but the court rejected this, stating:
“Although the defendants claimed they voluntarily reported the crime, Taeil testified that he did not even recognize the offense until his residence was searched. Another defendant admitted he would not have confessed if the incident had not been discovered.”
The court further noted that while the defendants had submitted letters of remorse and support statements from acquaintances, these were insufficient to alter the initial ruling:
“Even after reviewing all mitigation materials, including apologies and petitions, the original sentence cannot be considered either excessive or lenient.”
Prosecutors had previously sought a seven-year sentence, calling the crime’s nature and circumstances “serious and morally corrupt.” In contrast, Taeil’s legal team emphasized that he had reached an agreement with the victim and was “deeply remorseful for causing irreparable harm.”
In his final statement, Taeil told the court:
“I acknowledge all my wrongdoings and sincerely repent. I know no words can undo the pain I’ve caused the victim, but I want to express my heartfelt apology.”
Taeil debuted with NCT under SM Entertainment in 2016, gaining recognition for his vocals and stage presence. However, following the charges, SM Entertainment terminated his contract, and he was officially expelled from the group. Controversy intensified when it was revealed that Taeil had continued participating in group activities — including a live broadcast with fans and an 8th-anniversary fan meeting — even after being under investigation for sexual assault.
The ruling marks the final stage of Taeil’s criminal trial, confirming his imprisonment and reinforcing the public’s call for accountability among celebrities accused of serious crimes.