SM Entertainment, the K-pop agency of NCT, Aespa and Riize, among others, has announced that a member of NCT has been removed from the band following an allegation of unspecified sexual abuse.

In a statement uploaded to X, SM Entertainment said that 30-year-old Taeli "was charged in a criminal case related to a sexual offense." A spokesperson for the agency told Variety: "While reviewing the facts regarding this matter, we recognized the seriousness of the issue and determined that he can no longer continue team activities. After consulting with Taeil, it has been decided that he will withdraw from the team."

The agency further stated that Taeil “fully cooperated” with an ongoing police investigation and apologized “for the controversy caused by our artist.”

NCT is the original entity of the NCT universe, SM Entertainment's take on a multi-part boy band project. Initially conceptualized as having unlimited members, the NCT universe also includes sub-units NCT 127, NCT Dream, and more. Taeli was part of the parent NCT unit and the NCT 127 sub-unit.