Former NCT Taeil’s Prison Sentence For Rape Post-Appeal Sparks Public Outrage
Former NCT member Taeil’s appeal against his prison sentence for rape has been dismissed, leaving his original punishment of three years and six months in prison intact.
The court’s decision has triggered widespread anger online, with many calling it an overly lenient sentence for a serious sexual crime.
According to reports from legal sources, the Seoul High Court has rejected Taeil’s appeal, finalizing his conviction for aggravated quasi-rape under South Korea’s Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. Taeil, who was tried alongside two other defendants, was previously sentenced in July by the Seoul Central District Court and taken into custody immediately following the ruling.
The former idol’s legal team had appealed for a lighter sentence, citing remorse and cooperation during the investigation. However, the appellate court found no reason to reduce the sentence, stating that the nature of the crime and its impact on the victim warranted the original judgment. Meanwhile, the prosecution sought a seven-year sentence and ten years of employment restrictions.
Public sentiment has been overwhelmingly critical of the ruling. Many believe the punishment does not reflect the severity of the crime.
- “Will he have to register as a sex offender, too?”
- “Wow, that’s insane.”
- “Only three years for aggravated quasi-rape? Wow…”
- “Just three years? What the f*ck.”
- “Crazy. This is on another level.”
- “Yeah, his life’s already over anyway. Lol.”
