Juhak-nyun. /News1

Joo Hak-nyeon, a former member of the group The Boyz, completely denied allegations of prostitution that arose from his drinking session with a former adult video (AV) actress.

On the 19th, Joo Hak-nyeon apologized in a statement posted on his social media (SNS), saying, "I apologize to the fans who must have been shocked by the article about me, and to everyone for causing concern due to this unfortunate incident."

He continued, "It is true that I was present at a drinking gathering with an acquaintance in the early hours of the 30th of last month," but emphasized, "There has been absolutely no fact of prostitution or any illegal activities as mentioned in the articles or rumors."

He said, "I deeply regret my actions and would like to sincerely apologize to those who were shocked."

Previously, Joo Hak-nyeon announced a suspension of team activities for personal reasons on the 16th, before the controversy arose. Two days later, on the 18th, after the controversy expanded, he withdrew from the team and terminated his exclusive contract with the agency One Hundred.

Asuka Kirara attends the 11th Korea Art and Culture Person Awards ceremony held at the National Assembly Museum in Yeouido, Seoul on the 17th of July, 2023. /News1

The chairman of One Hundred, Cha Ga-won, also bowed his head in an official statement the previous day. He said, "I sincerely apologize for causing deep concerns to our fans and the public due to various situations related to our artists and members," and acknowledged, "We humbly accept that we have been lacking in managing the personal lives and behavior of our artists and members."

Joo Hak-nyeon debuted in 2017 as a member of the boy group The Boyz and has been loved by fans. The recent controversy arose after it was reported by local media that he had shared a space with AV actress Asuka Kirara at a drinking gathering in Tokyo, Japan.