Warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault.
Former NCT member Taeil made headlines after being removed from the group due to sexual crime allegations, as announced by SM Entertainment last year. Following his departure, all official NCT accounts unfollowed him, his lines were replaced on live shows, and members stopped acknowledging his presence. However, during a February 7 livestream, Jeno unintentionally mentioned Taeil’s name, causing a tense moment.
While discussing the show “It’s Awkward But It’s Okay” (AWSAZ) on Weverse, a show that has NCT members who aren’t very close develop a closer relationship, Jeno recalled taking part in the program in 2020 alongside Taeil. However, after realizing that he had mentioned the former member, he paused and rephrased his words:
como jeno¿ https://t.co/sDg3NH7pxx pic.twitter.com/1RuTkTBxRp
— 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐧 ✶ aus🇦🇷 (@dlovsgchan) February 7, 2025
“Taeil and I—oops. The member whom I took the AWSAZ picture with… I don’t know if I could say that we became closer friends just because we posed for that picture together. Let’s move on!”
Taeil’s departure from NCT followed serious accusations revealed in August 2024. He is currently under investigation for sexual assault, accused of intoxicating a foreign woman alongside two associates. If convicted, he faces seven years to life in prison.
