New Delhi: 

Former NCT member Moon Taeil has come under renewed public criticism after earlier videos of his online activity and social interactions resurfaced following his courtroom confession. Taeil, who was indicted for aggravated rape in February 2024, admitted guilt during his first trial at the Seoul Central District Court on June 18, 2025, alongside two accomplices.

Moon Taeil’s controversy:

Prosecutors have requested a seven-year sentence for Taeil and his accomplices, although the final sentencing is yet to be determined. While the defence argued the incident wasn’t premeditated, it has been maintained by the prosecution that “it is difficult to say that this is a true surrender.”

Taeil faces massive backlash:

Photos from that evening quickly went viral, prompting strong reactions from fans and the wider public. The backlash was amplified after Taeil’s courtroom admission, with social media platforms flooded by calls for stricter legal consequences. “He was laughing, drinking, making music plans the day after committing such a horrifying crime,” one user wrote, adding, “It’s absolutely disgusting. Seven years isn’t enough.”

Another comment read, “No remorse, no guilt. If this is how he behaves after such a crime, what kind of message does it send? He deserves to serve the longest time in jail.”

What has intensified the public backlash is the timing of Taeil’s past livestream. On June 14, 2024, just one day after the assault reportedly occurred, the K-pop idol was seen hosting a cheerful birthday broadcast on Instagram.

Moon Taeil’s past livestream and social outings resurface

In the footage, the singer could be heard strumming a guitar, interacting with fans, and even sharing his upcoming music plans, none of which suggested any distress or remorse. This juxtaposition has sparked widespread outrage among netizens, who view the broadcast as evidence of an “unbothered stance.”

In addition, a separate incident from April 2025 has been revisited. Taeil was photographed drinking and socialising with female friends while awaiting trial. The relaxed mood he appeared to be in, coupled with reports that his group allegedly requested no photos be taken due to his “mental stress,” only further fuelled criticism. Many have since questioned the sincerity of his remorse and the gravity with which he took the charges filed against him.

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