South Korean singer Taeil is leaving K-pop group NCT amid allegations of a sex crime.

The South Korean singer’s agency, SM Entertainment, announced on Wednesday that the 30-year-old will be leaving after it was recently confirmed that Taeil “has been charged with a criminal case involving sexual crimes.”

While the label did not specify the alleged crimes, an English translation of the X statement read: “We have recognized the seriousness of the issue and have decided that Taeil can no longer continue team activities.”

“We have discussed this matter with Taeil and it has been decided that he will leave the group,” the label said, adding that it is “faithfully cooperating with the police investigation.” SM also apologized “for the controversy caused by our artist.”

Members of K-pop group NCT 127, including Taeil (right), at an awards ceremony in South Korea in late 2021.

(Lee Jin-man / Associated Press)

The band, which debuted in 2016 as Neo Culture Technology, is known for its genre-bending experimental music. The band has more than a dozen members who are divided into subgroups, including NCT 127, NCT Dream and NCT Wish. Taeil, 30, was recently involved with NCT 127 and was promoting the group’s sixth LP, “Walk,” which was released in July. His NCT bandmate Jaehyun released a solo album earlier this week.

The criminal case report could not be independently verified and police declined to comment, the Associated Press reported. Korea JoongAng Daily reported that despite Taeil’s departure from NCT, his contract with SM Entertainment has not been terminated.

According to Billboard, Taeil’s participation in the group has been limited over the past year as he recovers from a motorcycle accident in August 2023. The singer required surgery and went on hiatus to focus on his rehabilitation. SM Entertainment said in October that he still required “sufficient treatment” following the procedure, which led to him pulling out of the NCT 127 tour that kicked off in November.