K-Pop Idol-Turned-Gang-Rapist: Taeil’s Final Sentencing Sparks Explosive Reactions Among Fans

With the South Korean Supreme Court rejecting his final appeal, former NCT member Taeil is now set to serve 3 years and 6 months in prison for aggravated rape as originally sentenced.

Former NCT Member Taeil’s Appeal Rejected, Sentence Upheld

In the wake of the court’s decision, K-Pop fans voiced shock and disgust over the length of the sentence. Hundreds of comments from flabbergasted fans pointed out how “3 years and 6 months for gang rape is a joke”…

• “Looking at cases like Seungri and Park Yoochun, I wonder if he’ll still keep circulating in the industry using the group name.”
• “Since there was a settlement, it makes sense this is how it ended.”
• “He is f*cking disgusting.”
• “Absolutely appalling.”
• “So he just serves three and a half years and returns to society? WTF.”
• “Even if there was a settlement, shouldn’t crimes like rape carry much heavier sentences? This is way too light.”

• “NCT is such a popular idol group… How could someone whose face is that well-known do something like this?”
• “Every time I see old merch with him on it, I get annoyed. I didn’t even bother removing him, I just threw everything out.”
• “So gang rape gets you three years now. Insane.”
• “Only three years?”
• “I honestly wonder if this was really his first offense.”
• “Honestly feels like they’re handing out light sentences because there’s no prison space or budget.”

…though, at the same time, some noted that, in South Korea, 3 years and 6 months for rape is actually on the longer end—and therefore, signaling at how serious the details of his crime must have been.

• “What on earth did he do to get 3.5 years in Korea…?”
• “Dumba*s.”
• “Only three years? I’m disgusted. Honestly, I didn’t even know who he was until this case.”
• “Three years…?”
• “Wow…”
• “You know… He must have done some sh*t to get 3.5 years in Korea.”

• “I cannot believe I’m seeing the name NCT associated with an article like this… This is on another level.”
• “It was gang rape, and he only got three years? The real problem is the judge.”
• “This is unbelievable…”
• “He used to be an SM Entertainment star, but now he’s infamous for gang rape. An all-time scandal.”
• “I never thought I’d see the words ‘gang rape’ in an idol-related article. This is absolutely vile.”
• “This is unprecedented.”

Read more about the rape case in which Taeil admitted to the charges:

Sordid Details Of Former NCT Taeil’s Rape Case Leaves Netizens In Disgust