SM Entertainment held the 'NCT Flea Market' on the 6th to mark the 10th anniversary of the NCT brand. The event offered stage outfits and personal items connected to the group's members.
However, a fan raised concerns after purchasing clothing reportedly worn by former NCT member Taeil. The fan shared photos of the item alongside an older image of Taeil wearing it and said they paid 150,000 won for the clothing.
In a social media post, the fan wrote, “What does SM expect fans to do if it sells clothing worn by a former member convicted of sexual assault? Who would want to buy an offender's clothes? I will formally protest to SM.” The fan later said they received an apology and a refund, but claimed they did not receive additional compensation after buying another item during their scheduled shopping time.
Taeil left NCT and had his contract with SM Entertainment terminated after being indicted in a sexual assault case. According to the supplied report, he was sentenced to three years and six months in prison in December and also ordered to complete a 40-hour treatment program and face a five-year employment restriction at institutions involving children, teenagers, and people with disabilities.
As criticism spread, SM Entertainment confirmed to Star News on the 7th that clothing worn by Taeil had appeared at the 'NCT Flea Market'. The company did not provide further details in the supplied material.
