Popular K-pop singer is removed from boyband due to alleged 'sexual crimes'

A popular K-pop star has been ousted from his group after being accused of an unspecified sexual crime, his label has announced.

Taeil, a member of boyband NCT, is reportedly being investigated by police and is said to be cooperating fully with the investigation.

His agency, SM Entertainment, released a statement on X, saying Taeil will depart leave band after learning he has been 'accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime.' The label did not specify the nature of the crime.

'We recognized the seriousness of the issue, and we have decided that Taeil can no longer continue team activities,' the label said. 

'We have discussed this matter with Taeil, and it has been decided that he will leave the group.'

Taeil, a member of boyband NCT, is reportedly being investigated by police over an unspecified sexual crime

The popular singer, whose legal name is Moon Tae-il, once held the Guinness World Record for the fastest person to ever reach one million followers on Instagram.

Taeil was part of NCT, or Neo Culture Technology, a globally popular South Korean boy band that debuted in 2016.

The group currently has over two dozen members divided into several subunits, including NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT Wish. Taeil is a member of NCT 127. 

Known for experimental music spanning various genres, the group has gained international attention with some releases charting on Billboard lists.

NCT's last release was last month, a single called Walk, from the group’s sixth studio album of the same title.

SM Entertainment's statement garnered over 45.7 million views in less than three hours, with fans responding with shock to the news.

Taeil (second from right) is pictured with fellow members of NCT 127 in 2019

The report of a criminal case could not be independently verified, and police declined to comment.

K-pop originated from South Korea and is an amalgamation of pop, R&B and hip-hop sounds from the West while blending cultural elements of the country. 

It has grown into a global phenomenon, particularly after the success of the boy band BTS in late 2010s.