Taeil, a former member of SM Entertainment’s boy band NCT, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to rape charges involving an intoxicated Chinese woman last year, as prosecutors sought a seven-year prison sentence.

The first trial took place at the Seoul Central District Court, where Taeil and two accomplices faced allegations under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. Specifically, they were charged with special quasi-rape—a crime that applies when two or more individuals engage in sexual acts with someone unconscious or unable to resist. The offense carries a minimum sentence of seven years and a maximum of life imprisonment if convicted.

When asked by the judge if he admitted to the charges, Taeil responded, “I admit to all the charges.” His two co-defendants also confessed to their involvement.
According to the indictment, Taeil and his acquaintances encountered the Chinese woman in Seoul’s Itaewon district last June. After drinking together, the woman became severely intoxicated. Taeil helped escort her out of the bar and placed her in a taxi with one co-defendant, identified as Lee, who took her to his home. Taeil and another friend, Hong, followed in a separate vehicle. The alleged assault occurred at Lee’s residence.

The court has scheduled the sentencing hearing for ​July 10 at 2 p.m.​