K-Pop Star Turned Gang Rapist: Taeil’s Sentencing Triggers Intense Fan Reactions
Taeil is facing major backlash after the South Korean Supreme Court rejected his final appeal, confirming his sentence of 3 years and 6 months in prison for aggravated rape.
The controversy began when news broke that the former NCT member will serve his prison term as originally ruled. Fans and netizens immediately exploded over how light the sentence seemed for a gang rape case.
Soon after the court decision, social media flooded with shocked and angry reactions. Many slammed the sentence as a joke given the severity of the crime.
“3 years and 6 months for gang rape is a joke”
“Looking at cases like Seungri and Park Yoochun, I wonder if he’ll still keep circulating in the industry using the group name.”
“Absolutely appalling.”
“So he just serves three and a half years and returns to society? WTF.”
“Even if there was a settlement, shouldn’t crimes like rape carry much heavier sentences? This is way too light.”
— comments from K-Pop fans on theqoo
Other fans expressed disgust about his connection to the hugely popular idol group NCT.
“NCT is such a popular idol group… How could someone whose face is that well-known do something like this?”
“Every time I see old merch with him on it, I get annoyed. I didn’t even bother removing him, I just threw everything out.”
“So gang rape gets you three years now. Insane.”
“Honestly feels like they’re handing out light sentences because there’s no prison space or budget.”
— more theqoo reactions
Some pointed out that 3 years and 6 months is actually on the longer end of rape sentences in South Korea, implying the crime’s details were quite serious.
“What on earth did he do to get 3.5 years in Korea…?”
“You know… He must have done some sh*t to get 3.5 years in Korea.”
“I cannot believe I’m seeing the name NCT associated with an article like this… This is on another level.”
— additional fan comments on theqoo
The entire case has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community, with many calling the situation “unprecedented” and “absolutely vile.”
“He used to be an SM Entertainment star, but now he’s infamous for gang rape. An all-time scandal.”
“I never thought I’d see the words ‘gang rape’ in an idol-related article. This is absolutely vile.”
— more remarks from shocked fans
No official statement from Taeil or his agency has been reported since the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Fans remain divided but most agree: 3 years and 6 months feels low for such a serious crime.
More updates to come as the story develops.