Taeyil, a former member of the group NCT, who was arrested on charges of special rape, appealed for leniency in the appeal trial and began to seek a reduced sentence. The prosecution requested a 7-year prison sentence, the same as the original trial, citing "poor nature of the crime."
On the 17th, the 11-3 Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court held the first hearing of the appeal trial for Taeyil and two others charged with violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (special rape).
Before the hearing, Taeyil and co-defendant Hong submitted letters of remorse and petitions for leniency in preparation for the appeal trial. Taeyil, who had been detained in court, appeared in a brown prison uniform. In front of some fans who came to observe the trial, he bowed his head deeply, expressing remorse.
Both the prosecution and the defense appealed on the grounds of inappropriate sentencing. The prosecution stated, "The nature of the crime is poor, and considering the criminality, the original judgment was excessively lenient," and requested the same 7-year prison sentence as in the first trial.
The defense attorneys acknowledged the wrongdoing but emphasized the severity of the sentence. Taeyil's lawyer stated, "He has lived sincerely until now, but it was a momentary act," and emphasized, "He is awakening and maintaining a strong relationship with his family. This is an important part of his life that indicates he will not reoffend."
He continued, "Having lived as a kind of public figure from a young age, he has been active without any major issues. There are no problems or criminal records. He has consistently engaged in donations and volunteer work, and those who know his character have submitted petitions for leniency," appealing for a lighter sentence.
He then examined the circumstances of the crime, explaining, "It happened after drinking with the victim and moving to a residence. He wanted to drink more and did not plan the crime." He also mentioned that this incident has made it difficult for Taeyil and his family to make a living, expressing a desire for a reduced sentence.
In his final statement, Taeyil said, "I acknowledge my crime and feel remorse. I know that the wounds inflicted on the victim cannot be healed by any of my words or actions. I sincerely apologize," and added, "It was an irresponsible and foolish act. I am sorry for causing irreversible pain and will live my life in atonement."
He continued, "Seeing the victim's life and the lives of their family crumble due to my wrong actions made me realize that my behavior was wrong. I will live my life in atonement and will not commit crimes again, living correctly and honestly."
While the remaining defendants continued with their final statements of remorse, a person believed to be a family member of the defendants was seen sobbing in the audience, pleading for leniency from the court.
The verdict for these individuals will be announced on October 17.
Previously, last month, the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Taeyil and two others to 3 years and 6 months in prison. They were also ordered to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and received a 5-year employment restriction order related to child and youth institutions. As a result, Taeyil, who was being tried without detention, was taken into custody in court.
Taeyil is accused of raping a woman who was intoxicated along with two acquaintances in June of last year. The Women's and Children's Crime Investigation Division 1 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office indicted Taeyil and two accomplices on charges of special rape under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act in February.
Despite being accused of sexual crimes, Taeyil concealed this fact and proceeded with comeback activities. It was revealed that he conducted a live broadcast on social media and interacted with fans the day after he was charged, on June 14 of last year.
Additionally, he attended an NCT 127 8th anniversary fan meeting two months later in August. After his sexual crime became known and controversy arose, his agency announced in mid-August that they had first learned of the incident and that he would be leaving the group along with the termination of his exclusive contract.
Taeyil debuted in 2016 as part of NCT's first unit NCT U and has since been active as a member of NCT and NCT 127.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
