Boy group The Boyz member Joo Haknyeon has left the team following a controversy over his private life. Joo Haknyeon recently became the center of controversy after reports surfaced of a private meeting with a former adult video actress.
According to a report by News1 on the 18th, Joo Haknyeon was at a bar in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan, on the 29th of last month with former adult video actress Asuka Kirara. It was reported that the two were affectionate, sharing hugs and physical contact. They are said to have stayed until early the next morning, and as related tips and photos circulated through a Japanese weekly magazine, the controversy spread.
Asuka Kirara made her debut as an adult video actress in 2007 and has been active as an influencer since retiring in 2020. Her agency, One Hundred, stated, 'We received an inquiry from a Japanese weekly magazine regarding the meeting with Asuka Kirara, and we confirmed the facts with Joo Haknyeon himself.'
Earlier, One Hundred announced on the 16th that 'Joo Haknyeon will temporarily suspend team activities due to personal circumstances,' but did not specify the reasons at that time.
Joo Haknyeon debuted in 2017 with The Boyz's first mini-album 'THE FIRST' and gained popularity with songs like 'Thrill Ride' and 'Maverick.' The Boyz transitioned to the newly established label One Hundred, founded by MC Mong and Chairperson Cha Gawon of the Piak Group, after finishing their contract with IST Entertainment last year.
Currently, The Boyz is performing as a 10-member group due to Sangyeon's military service.