In a candid and revealing interview, solo singer Ju Haknyeon has finally addressed the controversial circumstances that led to his abrupt departure from the rising K-pop boy group THE BOYZ in June 2025. The idol, who initially cited vague 'personal reasons' for his exit, has now shared detailed allegations against his former management company, shedding light on a scandal that derailed his career at its peak.
The Night That Changed Everything: Meeting Asuka Kirara
Ju Haknyeon's downfall began earlier this year when he became embroiled in a media firestorm alleging involvement in a prostitution scandal. Speaking to Billboard, the singer provided his account of the fateful night. He explained that he was socializing with a group of people, which included former adult video actress Asuka Kirara. Haknyeon stated he met Kirara for the first time that night and was under the impression she had been retired from the AV industry for five to seven years.
"We were hanging out with many people and, as it got later while we were drinking, there was one person [there] who used to be an AV actress. Her name is Asuka Kirara," he shared. His curiosity, he claims, was about her career transition and success, leading to a conversation at the bar. However, photos from the encounter leaked online, sparking unverified rumors that quickly spiraled into a full-blown scandal.
Company Fallout and a Costly Lawsuit
The repercussions were swift and severe. Haknyeon revealed that his agency immediately moved to terminate his contract. When the idol refused to sign the termination agreement, believing the allegations to be false, the company took legal action. An 8 million KRW lawsuit was filed against him. Haknyeon emotionally recounted crying in front of company officials, pleading that he could not pay the enormous sum.
He further made a serious allegation regarding the media coverage of his case. "I only told the company... Honestly speaking, I never had any sexual relations [with Kirara], and we never even discussed this at the company. I never stayed anywhere with Asuka overnight; there is no evidence, and the reporter never presented any evidence, but that’s still how they wrote the story," he asserted, suggesting his former company was involved in shaping the damaging narrative.
Cleared by Police But Battle Continues
In a significant turn, the police cleared Ju Haknyeon of all charges after their investigation found no evidence to support the prostitution claims. Despite this vindication, the civil lawsuit from his former company remains ongoing, continuing to cast a shadow over his life and career.
Concluding his interview, Haknyeon issued a stark warning to other idols in the cutthroat K-pop industry. "I want people to know that the company doesn’t protect their artists and isn’t acting like a proper company," he said. "If I lose this case over something I didn’t do…the companies will certainly abuse this kind of situation again." His story highlights the intense pressures and potential vulnerabilities faced by artists under strict management systems, even after being legally exonerated.
