K-pop singer Taeil exits boy band NCT after allegations of sexual crime

South Korean singer Taeil has left the K-pop group NCT following allegations of an unspecified sexual crime, his label announced on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old's agency, SM Entertainment, issued a statement on X, revealing that the NCT member is stepping down from the boy band after learning of his involvement in "a criminal case related to a sexual crime."

While the label did not disclose details about the alleged crime, they emphasized that they "recognized the seriousness of the situation" and concluded that Taeil, whose legal name is Moon Tae-il, could no longer "continue his activities with the team."

Taeil has not made any public statements regarding the accusations.

SM Entertainment further noted that he is fully cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.

"We will provide further statements as the investigation progresses," the statement, which was posted in Korean and translated by the Associated Press, added.

The Bangbae Police Station in Seoul confirmed they are investigating Taeil in connection with a sexual crime, according to South Korean media reports.

The BBC was unable to obtain a comment from the police.

Taeil was a member of NCT, or Neo Culture Technology, a highly popular South Korean boy band that made its debut in 2016.

The group currently consists of over two dozen members who are divided into several subunits, including NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT Wish.

Taeil was most recently active in NCT 127.

On 15 August last year, Taeil was involved in a motorcycle accident in downtown Seoul, South Korea.

He temporarily halted his activities to focus on his treatment and recovery.

Known for its experimental music that spans various genres, NCT has garnered international attention, with some of their releases charting on Billboard lists.

K-pop, which originated in South Korea, blends pop, R&B, and hip-hop, and has evolved into a global phenomenon, particularly after the rise of the boy band BTS in the late 2010s.