Former NCT Member Taeil Pleads for Leniency in Appeal Hearing, Cites Past Traffic Accident Sequelae

Taeil, a former member of the group NCT, has appealed for leniency in his second trial, citing residual effects from a past traffic accident.

During the first hearing of the appeal at the Seoul High Court on the 17th, Taeil appeared in prison attire alongside his co-defendants.

Both Taeil and the prosecution had appealed the initial sentence of three years and six months imprisonment.

The prosecution requested a seven-year sentence, arguing that the initial ruling was too lenient considering the severity of the crime.

In his final statement, Taeil acknowledged all charges, expressed remorse, and offered his sincere apologies to the victim.

He vowed to live the rest of his life atoning for the irreparable harm caused by his irresponsible actions.

Taeil's defense counsel sought leniency by highlighting the lingering effects of a traffic accident from around 2023, which reportedly impacted his daily life.

The defense also stated that Taeil withdrew from his group and terminated his contract with the agency around the time he surrendered to authorities. Prior to his detention, he worked part-time in a restaurant to support himself and his father, striving to become a constructive member of society.

Taeil, along with two accomplices, is accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated foreign tourist in June of last year. This incident led to his contract termination with SM Entertainment and his expulsion from NCT.

The court has scheduled the sentencing date for the 17th of next month.

Taeil claimed to be suffering from the after-effects of a traffic accident that occurred around 2023. He emphasized that he had been working diligently, doing part-time jobs in restaurants to support himself before his arrest. He also expressed his desire to live as a law-abiding member of society.