2025-06-22T06:05:09Z

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In a dramatic turn of events in the K-pop industry, former THE BOYZ member Ju Haknyeon has finally addressed the public after enduring a tumultuous week filled with scandal, accusations, and a controversial exit from his group. On June 22, 2025, Haknyeon took to Instagram to share his side of the story, revealing a perspective that diverges sharply from the sensational headlines that have captivated K-pop fans and media alike.

How Did the Scandal Begin?

The controversy began when reports surfaced indicating that Haknyeon had met with former Japanese adult film star Asuka Kirara. Initially, the public's reaction was mixed, ranging from curiosity to criticism. However, things escalated significantly when the Korean news outlet TenAsia published a shocking allegation, claiming Haknyeon had solicited prostitution from Kirara. Although no formal legal charges were confirmed at that time, the fallout was immediate, leading to his exit from THE BOYZ and leaving a trail of heartbroken fans in its wake.

In light of the public outcry, Haknyeon felt compelled to share his account of the events leading up to his departure, garnering support from fans who found his sudden exit troubling.

A Lengthy Statement from Ju Haknyeon

Haknyeon’s Instagram post detailed the sequence of events that transpired after the scandal broke. He revealed that he had informed his agency, IST Entertainment, before any media coverage began, hoping to manage the situation responsibly. He stated, “Before the agency received an inquiry from Shūkan Bunshun, I was the first to hear that photos had been taken. I immediately explained the situation truthfully to the company and asked for their help.”

According to Haknyeon, he did not attempt to hide the truth from his agency. He admitted to meeting Kirara, acknowledging his mistake, but vehemently denied the allegations of prostitution. His aim, he asserted, was always to minimize the damage to his fellow group members.

However, things took a drastic turn when his agency sent a termination agreement demanding he pay a staggering fee of over ₩2.00 billion KRW (approximately $1.46 million USD). “The agency sent a termination agreement… and a massive penalty,” he explained, emphasizing that the penalty was both unreasonable and not claimable under their contract's terms.

Haknyeon recounted how he found the demands shocking and could not agree to sign the termination. “Unable to accept such an unreasonable demand, I refused to sign the termination agreement on June 17, 2025. The very next day, the agency abruptly released an official statement announcing my departure from the group.” This rapid sequence of events left him feeling that he was essentially forced out before any substantial evidence or legal proceedings had unfolded.

The Aftermath of the Allegations

Following the announcement of his departure, the media frenzy intensified. Haknyeon commented on how quickly he was labeled as a sex offender, stating, “Reports started appearing about me meeting an AV actress, and then a shocking exclusive from TenAsia accused me of prostitution.” His assertions point to a coordinated attack against him, as he noticed a troubling correlation between the allegations and the timing of his contract termination.

Feeling cornered, Haknyeon decided to take action. “So I couldn’t stay silent any longer. I released this statement and filed a criminal complaint against the journalist responsible for the false report,” he stated. He expressed his intention to pursue legal action against not only the journalist but also the media outlet and the individual who filed the police report based on what he claims is misinformation.

Haknyeon raised concerns regarding the vague nature of the contract clause cited by IST Entertainment to justify his termination, which included broad terms like “acts that damage reputation.” He accused the agency of failing to follow proper procedures and unilaterally terminating his contract without sufficient grounds.

Emotional Reflections and Public Support

In his emotionally charged statement, Haknyeon acknowledged his shortcomings while expressing profound distress over how the situation was handled. “I’m not claiming to be flawless, but this was character assassination,” he said. He conveyed his sorrow for his family and fans, emphasizing that he could not allow himself to be falsely remembered as a criminal.

As he fight against these allegations, Haknyeon expressed gratitude to his supporters. “It’s daunting to fight a powerful company on my own, but I will endure to the end for those who still support and care for me.” His message has resonated with many fans, who are now rallying behind him, demanding transparency from IST Entertainment and questioning the harsh realities of the K-pop industry.

As of now, no formal legal actions have been initiated against Haknyeon, and the prostitution allegation remains unverified. IST Entertainment has not yet addressed his claims regarding the financial penalties and terms of his contract termination. The growing public sentiment appears to be shifting in favor of Haknyeon, who is now seen as a victim of the industry's unforgiving scrutiny.

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