[TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual Assault, Rape]
As the investigation on NCT Taeil's sexual assault case progresses, K-media revealed an important detail that could be the reason SM Entertainment was adamant about providing updates about it.
On Oct. 7th, the K-media outlet Chosun Ilbo released an exclusive article claiming that the K-pop idol was being investigated on charges of quasi-r*pe.
Based on Korea's criminal code, this crime is committed when a person with a weapon or two or more people working together force a sexual act on the victim while unconscious or incapable of resisting.
After being transferred from Seoul Bangbae Police Station, the case is now being handled by the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office. However, they have yet to summon the celebrity.
Moon was indicted in June on charges of sexually assaulting a drunk woman with two non-celebrity acquaintances, according to the media. However, it was only in August that they were summoned for questioning, two months after the incident.
The case is still ongoing but if Taeil is found guilty, he will serve at least 7-year jail time to lifetime imprisonment, following Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Special Cases Concerning Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
READ ALSO: Taeil Abused Victim For 6 Years? Account Draws Attention For Social Media Posts About Idol's Crimes
With this developing story, netizens and the media were wondering if the reason SM Entertainment refused to comment on Taeil's case was due to this.
When the media tried to ask for the label's position on this, SM only stated:
"It's difficult to comment on the matter because it's currently under investigation."
RELATED ARTICLE: NCT Struggles With THESE Aftermaths Even After Members Cut Ties With Taeil Amid Sexual Offense Case
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz