NCT Yuta’s Reported Response to Former Member Taeil Draws Mixed Opinions
NCT Yuta is facing scrutiny after his reaction to former member Taeil went viral.
Last year, Taeil was removed from NCT following an investigation into a sex crime. In July 2025, he admitted guilt in court and was sentenced to 3 and a half years in prison—half the initial demand by prosecutors.
SM Entertainment terminated Taeil’s contract and tried to erase him from all upcoming content. Fans have struggled to completely remove him from past materials, like the 2020 Neo Zone album cover.
At Paris Fashion Week this year, a fan showed Yuta the Neo Zone album featuring Taeil. In a viral TikTok, Yuta glanced at the album but walked away without signing it, seeming to apologize.
The TikTok poster noted Yuta usually signs fan items but didn’t in this case, presumably due to Taeil’s presence on the cover.
Some called Yuta “rude” for not signing, while many understood or praised his choice.
“a man ” — TikTok user @dear.s_coups reacting to Yuta’s move
The situation keeps stirring debate as Taeil remains a convicted criminal, and his connection to NCT continues to be avoided by current members.