Idol members active in K-pop have become embroiled in unfortunate events. One group disbanded due to allegations of infidelity involving a member, while another group chose to sever ties over a member's personal life controversy. As news that raises eyebrows has emerged for two consecutive days, there are calls for K-pop idols to awaken to the situation.

On the 16th, The Boyz's agency, HYBE, announced that member Ju Haknyeon would temporarily suspend activities due to personal circumstances. Although it was sudden news of an activity suspension, the reasons were uncertain, and fans supported Ju Haknyeon, speculating there might be health issues or other personal matters.

However, just two days later, the support turned to disappointment. This was because the reason for Ju Haknyeon's activity suspension was related to personal issues. On the 18th, a media outlet reported that Ju Haknyeon had a private meeting with former AV actress Asuka Kirara at a private bar in Tokyo, Japan, at the end of last month.

According to the inquiry from the Japanese magazine Shūkan Bunshun, Ju Haknyeon visited a bar in Roppongi with acquaintances in Japan on the night of the 19th of last month and spent time drinking until early the next morning with Asuka Kirara. Ju Haknyeon and Asuka Kirara were reportedly seen hugging and leaning their chins on each other's shoulders, indicating physical contact. Asuka Kirara, who debuted in December 2007 as an AV actress, has been active as an influencer since her retirement in February 2020.

In response, HYBE stated, "We took immediate action to suspend Ju Haknyeon's activities as soon as we received information regarding his involvement in personal issues, and we took time to carefully verify the facts. As a result, we recognized the seriousness of the matter and clearly understood that it would be difficult to maintain trust as an artist. Therefore, after sufficient discussions with The Boyz members, we finalized Ju Haknyeon's withdrawal from the team and termination of his exclusive contract."

In particular, HYBE expressed, "We ask for your deep understanding that this decision is an unavoidable measure to protect The Boyz members and the team. We inform you that Ju Haknyeon will cease all activities as a member of The Boyz as of today. HYBE will spare no effort in supporting the remaining members of The Boyz to ensure they can continue their activities in a healthy manner without any disruption."

Prior to the personal life controversy involving Ju Haknyeon, on the 17th, the termination of the exclusive contract of IHOTEU, a group claiming to be "K underground idols," became a hot topic. The three-member girl group IHOTEU is the first artist of EFG Music, a subsidiary of JDB Entertainment, and the term "underground idol" refers to idols who primarily engage in live performances without appearing on major media outlets like television and magazines.

IHOTEU announced on the 13th that member Mina had suspended her activities. On the same day that the notice regarding Mina was made, news was also shared about the termination of exclusive contracts for two other members, but the reasons were revealed four days later. This was because member Mina was embroiled in an infidelity scandal with A, the CEO of JDB Entertainment. EFG Music, to which IHOTEU belongs, is a subsidiary of JDB Entertainment.

On the 17th, a media outlet raised allegations regarding an inappropriate relationship between A, the CEO of JDB Entertainment, and member B of the girl group. According to the report, A and B had been meeting privately after schedules and were seen hugging or holding hands late at night on the street. Related photos and videos are spreading through social media. A pair presumed to be A and B was featured in the photos and videos, which included images of them hugging or engaging in physical contact on the street late at night. An internet user who posted the photos and videos added comments such as, "It's outrageous that someone who had an affair with a subordinate female employee is still a CEO, "Did you get your wife's permission despite having two children and being a married man?", and "It's not false information or malicious slander, but I'm feeling wronged."

In response, JDB Entertainment stated that they are thoroughly verifying the facts regarding the inappropriate relationship between A and B, and A has expressed his intention to resign to the company.

Following the disbandment of IHOTEU and Ju Haknyeon's withdrawal from The Boyz, the ongoing personal life controversies are leaving a significant scar on the high status and reputation of K-pop. Given their high popularity due to fans' great love, they must reflect on and be cautious about every action they take. It is time to awaken even more by taking these two cases as lessons.

[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS

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