Taeyong, former NCT member, received a 3.5-year sentence for sexual assault, with both he and the prosecution appealing the decision.
October/17/2025 16:41
Former NCT member Taeyong, who was indicted on suspicion of sexual crimes, received a prison sentence in the appeal trial. The 11-3 Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court held the announcement date for the appeal trial of Taeyong and two others, who were indicted for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (special quasi-rape), today (17th) afternoon. Previously, the first trial court sentenced Taeyong and his accomplices to 3 years and 6 months in prison on July 10. They were also ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and face a 5-year employment restriction in child, youth, and disability-related institutions. Following this announcement, Taeyong, who had been undergoing trial without detention, was taken into custody in court. Immediately after the verdict, Taeyong and the other two appealed the first trial decision. The prosecution also pointed out that 'the sentence is too light compared to the seriousness of the case' and requested a 7-year sentence. Ultimately, the high court dismissed both appeals and upheld the 3-year and 6-month prison sentence. Taeyong and the others are suspected of raping a foreign woman they met at a bar in Itaewon last June after intoxicating her and taking her by taxi to a residence in Banpo-dong. Taeyong debuted in 2016 with NCT's first unit NCT U and has been active as a member of NCT and NCT 127. SM Entertainment announced his departure from the group after the incident, and both parties' exclusive contracts ended in October last year.
Related Articles
The Soul Drama Awards 2026 announced winners from a record 352 entries across 46 countries and regions. Norway’s A Better Man won the grand prize and two more awards. Korean drama The Story of Kim Bu-jang... also won three awards, while RIIZE’s Anton took the OST prize.
On the afternoon of the 21st, NCT’s Jaehyun departed through Incheon International Airport for an overseas schedule. Related headlines mention ZB1’s Sung Hanbin drawing attention for a dance video with his admired NCT member Jaehyun, and rumors about a woman in a bikini in Jaehyun’s SNS video, which he explained himself.
NCT’s Yuta visited Mongolian Tanmen Nakamoto for the first time, wearing the shop’s hoodie and cap. He enjoyed the ramen he had long eaten only as cup noodles, joked about pretending the founder was his father, and praised the noodles, vegetables, and rich spicy flavor. He finished the meal happily and said his dream came true.
A Ralph Lauren event was held on the afternoon of the 15th at the Seoul Museum of Art in Sokpajeong, Jongno District, Seoul. Attendees included former NCT member Mark, ENHYPEN's Jay, Kim Woo-bin, Lee Jung-jae, f(x)'s Krystal, Lee Jin-wook, former Weki Meki member Kim Do-yeon, Yoo Tae-oh, Yoon Sang, Lee Hye-young, director Maggie Kang, and writer Park Jeong-hyu.
NCT’s Taeyong and ALLDAY PROJECT’s Bailey will appear on Mnet’s 'STREET WORLD FIGHTER: Directors' War' as the solo-artist direction mission begins. Choreographers will interpret their new songs and create performance stages, with the losing team sent to 'LAST STAGE: 24H'.
NCT’s Ten has opened a new chapter with his solo single “OUTWEST.” The title track blends hip-hop, techno house, and R&B, with Ten joining the songwriting and composition. The single also includes “IRL,” and he will launch a 14-city U.S. showcase tour in October.
Former NCT member Mark has raised anticipation for his comeback by releasing a short film and teaser images for “My Friend,” a medium-tempo pop song about the end of summer and moving into a new chapter. He also took part in writing, composing, and arranging the track, and revealed a new Kids-Pop project.
On the afternoon of the 4th, at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, NCT’s Jisung appeared for the ceremonial first pitch at the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League game between the LG Twins and the Samsung Lions.
Former NCT member Mark is moving to take legal action against malicious online posts. His agency, UPPER ROOM, said it has been continuously monitoring harmful content, including defamation, false rumors, and human rights violations, and will respond firmly to protect the artist and fans.
Former NCT member Mark will release a new song, “My Friend,” at 1 p.m. on the 10th, five months after leaving SM Entertainment. His agency Upper Room unveiled a cinematic teaser showing him moving between city and nature, reflecting a “Back to Basic” mood. He also proved his lasting popularity when 42,392 fans sent him DMs and subscribed to Laylo within an hour of its launch. Mark left SM on April 8 after about 10 years, ending all NCT activities, and later announced the launch of Upper Room in June.
