Taeil, a former member of the boy band NCT (SM ENTERTAINMENT)

Police said on Wednesday that the sexual abuse by former NCT member Taeil “was not directed against a minor or male.”

Taeil, a 30-year-old member of boy band NCT, whose real name is Moon Tae-il, is being investigated on suspicion of sexual abuse at the Seoul Bangbae police station in southern Seoul, according to a report by Chosun Ilbo.

Police did not provide details of his offense because the spokesman “was at home and does not have access to the files,” the report said.

Taeil’s agency SM Entertainment announced on Wednesday night that he has left NCT after being reported to the police for a sex crime.

The decision was made after the agency was made aware of “the seriousness of the matter.” However, the company declined to provide further details as it is an ongoing criminal case.

Statement from SM Entertainment about Taeil (SM ENTERTAINMENT)

Taeil’s contract with SM Entertainment is still ongoing.

The police comment came after rumors emerged about Taeil’s wrongdoing. Some online posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, claimed that Taeil had assaulted an 11-year-old girl, while others claimed it was against a younger boy, but police clarified that it was neither.

A signing session for NCT’s Jaehyun, scheduled for Thursday, was canceled on Wednesday night, according to reports on social media.

Taeil debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT’s subgroup NCT U. He took a hiatus from group activities last year after sustaining an injury to his right thigh in a traffic accident on August 15, 2023.

BY YOON SO-YEON ([email protected])