Former NCT’s Taeil Sparks More Outrage For Hosting Instagram Live The Day After Being Booked For Rape

Former NCT member Taeil has ignited even greater public outrage following revelations that he held an Instagram live broadcast the day after being booked for aggravated rape.

Following weeks of investigation and silence, Korean media reported on October 7, 2024 (KST) that Taeil had been investigated on accusations of “aggravated rape.” The incident reportedly involved Taeil and two friends, neither of whom are public figures, who allegedly raped an intoxicated woman.

Taeil’s reported charge under investigation is, in Korean, “Special Quasi-Rape.” According to Korean law, the term “special” indicates that it was aggravated—meaning that it either involved weapon(s) or, in his case, more than two people. The term “quasi” indicates that the victim was unconscious and/or unable to resist. His charge in the US would most accurately be referred to as “aggravated rape.”

While details of the alleged rape itself are more than disturbing, netizens have found that Taeil interacted with his fans soon after being booked by the police. This has sparked even more outrage.

Former NCT’s Taeil Reportedly Charged For Rape Of Drunk Girl

A recent report from Geumgang Ilbo claims that Taeil was booked by the police on June 13 following a report from the victim. The next day, on June 14, Taeil hosted an Instagram live to celebrate his birthday with fans.

taeil will tune a live tomorrow to celebrating his birthday at 12 noon!! 💛 pic.twitter.com/DXmnBGZtYo

— ☾ (@taeil_zip) June 13, 2024

During the live, he thanked his supporters for their birthday wishes and mentioned that his birthday plans were complicated due to personal issues, including his leg injury.

I’m still trying to figure out what to do for my birthday. I couldn’t hold a birthday party because my activities are in a bit of a tricky situation. There’s also an issue with my leg, and there are other problems as well, so I started looking into venue reservations late. That’s why the timing didn’t work out.

— Taeil about his birthday party

Despite the legal situation unfolding behind the scenes, Taeil casually chatted with fans, answered questions, and even played the piano during the broadcast.

taeil: i miss you baby~ :] #HAPPYTAEILDAY #614_ONAIR_TAEILDAY #다들주목_해피벌쓰태일_헤헷 pic.twitter.com/Okut022rRv

— ☾ (@taeil_zip) June 14, 2024

DAMN MOON TAEIL SO ATTRACTIVE WHILE PLAYING A PIANO!! #HAPPYTAEILDAY #614_ONAIR_TAEILDAY #다들주목_해피벌쓰태일_헤헷 pic.twitter.com/rcYVzcCYsh

— ☾ (@taeil_zip) June 14, 2024

The stark contrast between his demeanor online and the gravity of the allegations has left many netizens disturbed and in shock.

• “Wow, this is seriously legendary.”
• “After doing something like that, he shamelessly stood in front of his fans. He doesn’t even have the brain to feel guilty.”
• “How could he do that…”
• “He’s seriously insane.”
• “With a personality and looks like that, it seems like anyone can be an idol these days…”
• “Wow, lol.”
• “It’s so creepy how he used his female fans for his own profit while leading a criminal life like that, seriously.”