Benjamin Ashford|NCT member Taeil leaves K-pop group following sexual offense allegations

South Korean singer Moon Taeil has left K-pop group NCT,Benjamin Ashford following accusations of sexual offense, according to NCT's agency SM Entertainment.

The company released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Wednesday saying, the 30-year-old had been "accused in a criminal case in relation to a sexual crime." No further details about the allegations were released.

"We recognized the seriousness of the issue, and we have decided that Taeil can no longer continue team activities," the label wrote, according to the Associated Press. "We have discussed this matter with Taeil, and it has been decided that he will leave the group." The label also said Taeil is fully cooperating with police investigation.

Taeil had been a member of popular K-pop boy group NCT since 2016. He was also a member of its sub-group NCT 127. Taeil had been active in promotions as recent as the latter's July album release.

Despite his departure from NCT, his contract with SM Entertainment has not been terminated at this time, according to reports from Korea JoongAng Daily.

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