Who Is Taeil? 5 Things to Know About the K-Pop Singer

Taeil (real name: Moon Tae-il) is known as one of the members of the K-Pop band NCT and its subs, NCT U and NCT 127. Famous for hit songs such as “Starlight” and “Stay By My Side,” the South Korea native has been in the music business since his 2016 debut. However, in August 2024, Taeil parted ways from NCT after a sexual assault allegation came to light.

“We recognized the seriousness of the issue, and we have decided that Taeil can no longer continue team activities,” Taeil’s label, SM Entertainment, said in a statement, per the Associated Press. The label added that Taeil was “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual crime.”

Learn more about Taeil, his K-Pop career and more, below.

Taeil Was Accepted to an Elite Music Program

In 2013, Taeil was accepted into Hanyang University’s Applied Music program, which, at the time was reportedly the most competitive early admission academic program in the country. However, Taeil was recruited by SM Entertainment as a trainee, and he turned down the university’s offer.

He Made His NCT Debut in 2016

One year after becoming a member of the SM Rookies from his label, Taeil released “Because of You.” He then released the song “Without You” as a member of NCT U in 2016.

Taeil Was in a Car Accident in 2023

In August 2023, Taeil reportedly got into a car accident while riding his motorcycle back home in Seoul, South Korea.

He Broke a Guinness World Record

In 2021, Taeil joined Instagram and quickly reached 1 million followers. This broke the Guinness World Record for the “fastest time to reach 1 million followers” on the social media platform. At the time of publication, Taeil has more than 5 million followers.

Taeil Left the NCT Boyband in 2024

In August 2024, SM Entertainment revealed that Taeil was facing accusations of an undisclosed “sexual crime.” The allegations he is facing are still unclear at the time of publication.

If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.