SM Entertainment, known for its cautious approach to handling artist controversies, has recently made headlines for its swift and uncompromising response to the scandal involving Taeil of NCT. The company announced Taeil's involvement in a criminal case related to sexual misconduct and confirmed his immediate departure from the group, signaling a notable change in the agency's risk management strategy. This departure stands in contrast to the company's historical approach of protecting its artists through controversies, as seen in previous cases involving Super Junior's Kangin and NCT's Lucas, where the artists remained in the group despite facing personal controversies. The speed and decisiveness of SM Entertainment's response in Taeil's case indicate a shift in the company's approach to managing artist-related scandals. This departure suggests that the allegations against Taeil are particularly serious, leading to a firmer stance from the company, especially when compared to how it handled controversies involving other artists like TVXQ's Yunho and EXO's Chanyeol. The company's statement emphasized the severity of the situation and the decision to part ways with Taeil after discussions with him, marking a significant departure from its previous risk management strategy.