Joo Hak-nyeon (26), a former member of the group The Boyz, was expelled from the team following a private meeting with Japanese adult video (AV) actress Asuka Kirara (37) and has also been accused of involvement in prostitution.
On the 19th, a complaint requesting an investigation into the prostitution allegations involving Joo Hak-nyeon and his agency officials was submitted to the National Complaint Center.
The complainant stated that they would also submit the complaint to the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, saying, "This is an act of a citizen trying to publicize the potential for structural deviations and human rights violations within the entertainment industry, not just a simple private life controversy."
He claimed, "It appears that Joo Hak-nyeon confessed to paying for sexual services after engaging in prostitution abroad," adding, "This constitutes a violation of Article 4 (Prohibited Acts) of the Act on the Punishment of Acts Related to Prostitution." He continued, "Article 197 of the Criminal Procedure Act states that judicial police officers above the rank of officer may directly investigate when they recognize criminal allegations. Accordingly, I request a swift and thorough investigation regarding the prostitution allegations against Joo Hak-nyeon and agency officials."
The complainant also noted that there were media reports indicating the former producer of the agency 100's exclusion from work due to prostitution-related issues, stating, "It is also possible that they were directly involved or facilitated or arranged the prostitution. The complainant requests that the police identify this individual and secure statements to thoroughly investigate their involvement in prostitution."
The complainant raised the necessity to broaden the investigation scope, emphasizing, "If there is a possibility of organized involvement in prostitution, including agency celebrities, staff, external producers, and Japanese intermediaries, the investigation should not downplay this incident as a single-person crime but expand it to address the structural issues of prostitution facilitation and complicity within the entertainment industry."
Earlier, 100 announced the suspension of Joo Hak-nyeon's team activities on the 16th, and on the 18th, they terminated his exclusive contract and expelled him from the team. On the same day, Ten Asia raised allegations that Joo Hak-nyeon had met Asuka Kirara at a private bar in Tokyo at the end of May and had engaged in sexual relations while paying for services. Reports indicate that a producer who was also associated with him was excluded from work for a similar issue.
In response, Cha Ga-won, the president of 100, stated, "We reflect on our shortcomings in managing the private lives and attitudes of our artists and members," adding, "We will strive to improve ethics training and internal systems."
Joo Hak-nyeon also posted a handwritten apology on social media (SNS), denying the allegations by stating, "While it is true that I was present at the drinking gathering, there were no illegal acts such as prostitution."