K-Netizens Respond to Ex-NCT Member Taeil’s Request for Leniency Following 7-Year Prison Sentence Demand
Taeil, formerly of NCT, faced his first court hearing on June 18 in Seoul Central District Court’s 26th Criminal Division. Charged with aggravated rape along with two others, Taeil admitted to all the accusations during this initial trial.
At court, Taeil appeared in casual black clothing and addressed the judge, revealing his current situation: “I was expelled from my agency after working as a singer. I’m currently doing part-time work to get by.” His lawyer added some context about his day-to-day life: “He is now helping out at a friend’s restaurant to make a living.” The three defendants all pleaded guilty, with Taeil straightforwardly saying, “I admit to all the charges.” His attorney also asked for leniency, noting the remorse Taeil showed by apologizing through a public defender, with the victim reportedly accepting this apology.
The prosecution is asking for a seven-year prison sentence for each defendant. They’ve also requested mandatory treatment programs for sexual offenders, public disclosure of their personal information, and a ban on working in child-related fields for a decade. The next sentencing hearing is set for July 10.
Public reaction hasn’t been kind. Many Korean netizens feel the seven-year sentence isn’t harsh enough given the severity of the crime. The prosecution itself pointed to premeditation, stating, "It’s hard to accept the claim that the crime was impulsive. Based on the group chat messages, it’s clear the defendants were aware the victim was a foreigner and deliberately tried to avoid being tracked by instructing the taxi location to be recorded at a place other than the actual crime scene."
Fans and viewers on social media slammed Taeil, saying things like:
"With someone like him, it’s not like he couldn’t get a girlfriend, so there’s only one reason he would act like this instead of having a normal relationship: He has a rape fantasy. And if this was a gang rape, I doubt this was even his first time."
"The nature of the crime is so vile, and he did this while actively promoting. All of his music needs to be taken down. Even if he only sang background vocals, I don’t want to hear it at all."
"Only 7 years???"
Others expressed doubts about the length of the sentence actually served, with comments such as:
"If he were sentenced to 7 years, he’ll probably serve at most 5. Ugh."
"They probably settled, so he’ll get like 2–3 years. Disgusting bastard."
"Doubt this is his first offense. He probably had a lot of one-night stands, fooled around recklessly, and just didn’t get reported. That’s probably how he ended up escalating to group rape."
Criticism wasn’t held back regarding Taeil’s current work situation either:
"’Helping out at a friend’s restaurant to make a living’??? He must’ve made so much money already. What kind of excuse is that? Creepy."
"Committing such a despicable crime against a foreign tourist at a club… and then talking about ‘making a living’? So disgusting. He better rot in prison."
More blunt reactions included:
"Seven years is so short."
"Dang… only seven years?"
"Who is he trying to buy pity from? Everyone makes a living by working hard."
"This is so legendary in so many ways."
"So disgusting."
"What’s more disgusting is he did live streaming after committing that."
"He’s a lunatic."
"So gross. Seven years is so short for rape."
"He’s asking for leniency because he’s working at a restaurant? Wow…"
The upcoming sentencing will be closely watched amid these growing concerns about whether justice will really be served in this high-profile case.
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