NCT member TAEIL, accused of ”special quasi-rape,” to appear at appeal hearing on the 17th... Possibility of a reduced sentence?

Taeil, a former member of the Korean boy group NCT, will attend an appeal hearing amid suspicion of attempted rape.
Recently, according to the legal community, the 11th-3rd Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court decided to
On the 17th, the first hearing of the appeal trial regarding TAEIL's alleged violation of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (special quasi-rape) will be held.
Previously, in June of last year, TAEIL sexually assaulted a drunk woman with some acquaintances.
In the case of special quasi-rape, it is considered to be a crime when a deadly weapon is possessed or when two or more people jointly commit adultery with a person who is unable to resist, such as when they are physically or mentally incapacitated. This is punishable by imprisonment for seven years or more or with no prison time.
In response, NCT's management office SM Entertainment (hereinafter referred to as SM Entertainment) fired TAEIL. SM Entertainment said, "The exclusive contract with TAEIL expired on the 2nd
The contract was terminated on October 15, 2024. TAEIL is currently being investigated by the prosecution for a criminal case, which is grounds for termination under the exclusive contract.
However, Taeil showed no remorse. He was criticized by the public for showing no remorse, such as by hosting a live stream on social media.
On June 18, the first hearing was held for three people, including Taeil, on suspicion of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (special quasi-rape).
TAEIL's lawyer admitted to all the charges, but claimed that the crime was not planned.
Despite TAEIL's claims, the court sentenced him to three years and six months in prison at the first hearing. In addition, he was required to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program, have his personal information made public, and be referred to a child and youth-related institution.
He was ordered to be restricted from working for five years. In his final statement, he said, "If you can kindly handle this, I will do whatever job I can, and live my life to the best of my ability, as I believe this is the last chance I have been given in life."
However, he was ultimately given a prison sentence in the first trial and was detained in court. However, he filed an appeal against the first trial ruling, and the appeal hearing will be held on the 17th of this month.
TAEIL is dissatisfied with the verdict and is attending an appeals hearing, so attention is focused on whether the sentence can be reduced.