On June 18, 2025, the K-pop world was rocked by the sudden and controversial departure of Ju Haknyeon from the boy group THE BOYZ.
His exit was formally announced by his agency, ONE HUNDRED, which cited “issues involving Ju Haknyeon’s personal life” as the reason for his contract termination and removal from the group.
While the agency refrained from detailing the nature of these issues, speculation exploded across Korean and international media shortly thereafter, fueled by damning reports and tabloid inquiries.
A report from Japanese media outlet Shukan Bunshun reportedly raised questions to the agency about a private meeting between Ju Haknyeon and former Japanese adult video actress Asuka Kirara, which allegedly took place in May 2025.
Later that day, Korean news outlet 10Asia escalated the controversy by reporting that Ju Haknyeon had allegedly paid for sexual services during this meeting, citing multiple unnamed industry sources.
Also, it was claimed that a producer from ONE HUNDRED had also been dismissed in connection with the same issue, suggesting broader internal fallout at the agency level.
As the story gained traction and fans expressed confusion and disappointment, Ju Haknyeon broke his silence with a handwritten letter posted to his Instagram Stories that same night.
In his statement, he acknowledged attending a private gathering involving alcohol in the early hours of May 30 but firmly denied any involvement in prostitution or other illegal activities.
He apologized to fans for the scandal and expressed deep regret for the concerns caused by his actions, while insisting that the allegations circulating in the media were false.
Despite the gravity of the situation, he sought to draw a line between poor judgment and criminal behavior, making it clear that while he was present at a questionable gathering, he did not commit any unlawful acts.
However, the controversy did not end there. The day after his statement, Ju Haknyeon publicly claimed that his contract was terminated without his consent and that he was removed from THE BOYZ unilaterally by ONE HUNDRED.
He also revealed his intention to take legal action against the agency, framing his exit not as a personal decision, but as a forced separation driven by the scandal and internal decisions made without his agreement.
In response, ONE HUNDRED issued a statement directly refuting Ju Haknyeon’s claims, asserting that they had followed due process in terminating the contract and standing by their decision, which they said was based on a loss of trust and concern for the group’s image and integrity.
The incident has deeply shaken both the fandom and the broader K-pop community, as Ju Haknyeon was a long-standing member of THE BOYZ, a group that had cultivated a strong fanbase domestically and internationally.
The nature of the allegations, the involvement of a well-known Japanese adult film actress, and the contrast between Ju Haknyeon’s denial and the agency’s firm stance have all contributed to an ongoing debate about accountability, image management, and the intense scrutiny idols face.
The legal and reputational consequences remain to be seen, but what is clear is that this controversy has cast a long shadow over Ju Haknyeon’s career and left a significant mark on THE BOYZ’s trajectory.
As more developments unfold, including any legal proceedings or further disclosures from either side, fans and industry watchers alike are paying close attention.
Whether Ju Haknyeon will be able to clear his name or rebuild his career remains uncertain.
What’s undeniable is that this event has sparked critical conversations about how entertainment agencies handle personal controversies, the role of media in shaping narratives, and the complex pressures faced by idols operating in the high-stakes world of K-pop.
