SM Entertainment’s Actions Amid Former NCT Taeil’s Sex Crime Scandal Become A Hot Topic

This article is part of our coverage of Former NCT Taeil's Sex Crime Scandal. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.

SM Entertainment‘s actions regarding the now-former NCT member Taeil‘s sex crime scandal have become a hot topic among netizens.

On August 28, 2024 (KST), SM Entertainment announced that Taeil had been removed from NCT due to “unspecified sex-related crime.”

SM Entertainment Announces Taeil Has Been Removed From NCT Due To Unspecified Sexual Crimes

When the post was shared, SM Entertainment immediately gained attention from fans for their swift reaction. On social media, netizens pointed out that SM Entertainment immediately removed Taeil from the group rather than putting him on an “extended hiatus.”

the company has never acted this fast before. no apology, no hiatus, but straight to termination. i am heartbroken. i hope the victim get the justice they deserve.

— ◼️ (@misternosferatu) August 28, 2024

this is the first time i saw sm released a statement about their artist before any rumors spread out first.. wow

— 슬린 (@seurrene_) August 28, 2024

If Taeil was kicked out immediately from the group this fast, the situation must be huge considering there's not even ONE rumor yet a statement is already out while he's under investigation.

Truly disappointing. At the end of the day, a man is a man. There's nothing we can do.

— ‎ރ (@inmydistrict) August 28, 2024

the way sm make their artist be on hiatus during investigation before kicking them out or let them return after a long while… them kicking out taeil immediately makes my skin crawl bc you know it’s not something even they could defend 🤢 https://t.co/aWVQTYUULA

— jinnie (ᵔᴥᵔ) IVEPALOOZA (@ivyujins) August 28, 2024

Fans also pointed out the speed of which the statement was released.

SM Entertainment shared the news and statement before it was reported by Korean media, making it an even bigger shock and leading to speculations about the seriousness of the investigation.

just how bad is this that sm actually released a statement with taeil's withdrawal from the group before the news even comes out https://t.co/rq7Ln4woTd

— 김 (@soshirevelae) August 28, 2024

What the actual fuck did taeil do that the company is the one who kicked him out before even any runors or news goes out???? https://t.co/Ukn5lUIBbU

— S (@Someoneontwt) August 28, 2024

After the statement, netizens also noticed that when they went on the NCT and NCT 127 pages, the accounts had already unfollowed Taeil’s personal account.

OH GODDDDD…… EVEN NCT AND NCT 127 INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT UNFOLLOW MOON TAEIL. WHAT’S HAPPENING? I’M VERY LOST😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/xJAl8gY15Q

— V (@lastnamevy) August 28, 2024

You can read reactions to the news below.

NCT Taeil’s Alleged Sex Crime And Group Departure Triggers Industry Shock Wave