Taeyil received a 3.5-year prison sentence along with mandatory treatment programs.
This incident sheds light on the ongoing issues of sexual offenses in the K-pop industry.
On December 27, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the sentencing of Taeyil (real name Moon Taeyil). The court rejected the appeals filed by Taeyil and his accomplices, confirming a prison sentence of 3.5 years for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (aggravated rape).
Last June, Taeyil, along with two acquaintances, was charged with raping an intoxicated foreign woman and was indicted without detention in March. He received a sentence of 3 years and 6 months in the first trial, along with a mandatory 40 hours of sexual violence treatment and a 5-year employment restriction in institutions related to children and the disabled.
The appeals process began when one of his accomplices filed for an appeal. However, despite Taeyil expressing remorse during his final statements, the court highlighted the severity of his crime and ultimately rejected the appeal, resulting in his effective retirement from the entertainment industry after his contract with SM Entertainment was terminated.
The case of Taeyil shines a spotlight on the persistent issues of sexual offenses within the K-pop industry. Fans and the public often hold their idols to high standards, but incidents like this lead to disillusionment and disappointment. Such events directly impact an idol's image and their musical career, raising concerns about the unrealistic expectations placed on artists.
The prevalence of sexual violence in the entertainment industry shakes public trust and highlights systemic issues rather than individual failings. As long as proven criminal behaviors exist, the personal lives of artists, even those with supportive fanbases, will restrict their career activities. Moreover, understanding and supporting victims becomes increasingly crucial in today's society where fandom culture is highly visible.
For the growth and success of K-pop, a healthy relationship between artists and fans is essential. It is not sufficient to merely show remorse for past wrongdoings; systemic efforts are required to prevent such issues from recurring. Without this philosophy, sustainable development in K-pop will remain unattainable.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
