Former member of the group The Boyz, Joo Haknyeon, and former AV actress Asuka Kirara denied allegations of prostitution, as photos of the two hugging from behind were released.
On the 21st, the Japanese media Shūkan Bunshun reported that Joo Haknyeon and Asuka Kirara were photographed embracing from behind in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan.
The released photo captured a scene in which a man wearing a black hat, sunglasses, and a mask was embracing a woman dressed in a white party dress and wearing sunglasses from behind. The media reported that the man and woman in the photo were Joo Haknyeon and Asuka Kirara, and noted that they continued to embrace even when passersby were nearby.
Earlier, Joo Haknyeon announced a sudden suspension of activities on the 16th. However, just two days later, on the 18th, it was reported that he had met privately with former AV actress Asuka Kirara at a private bar in Tokyo, which placed him at the center of controversy.
Subsequently, reports emerged stating that Haknyeon had paid for sexual services, intensifying the controversy. His agency, One Hundred Entertainment, stated, “The moment we received information that Joo Haknyeon was involved in a personal matter, we took immediate action to suspend his activities and had time to carefully verify the facts. As a result, we took the matter seriously and recognized clearly that it would be difficult to maintain trust as an artist. Therefore, after sufficient discussions with the members of The Boyz, we have definitively decided on Joo Haknyeon's withdrawal from the team and the termination of his exclusive contract.”
In response, Joo Haknyeon refuted through social media, stating, “On May 30, 2025, I was present at a drinking event with acquaintances, and while it is true that I was there, I have never engaged in prostitution or any illegal activities as reported in articles or rumors. I deeply reflect on my actions and would like to sincerely apologize to those who might have been surprised.”
He added, “I have not withdrawn from the team and have not agreed to the termination of my exclusive contract,” claiming that his agency is trying to make it seem like there are grounds for termination even though there are none stated in the contract, and that he was urged to leave the company while facing a demand for damages exceeding 2 billion won. He questioned, “I want to ask whether it is really the attitude of an agency that should protect artists to unilaterally expel me from the team just because I was present at a private event with a famous person, while demanding damages exceeding 2 billion won and coercing a contract termination.”
In response, the agency emphasized, “We have terminated the exclusive contract with Joo Haknyeon in accordance with the terms specified in the contract, and this was a just and reasonable action. The essence of this matter lies in Joo Haknyeon’s evasion of responsibility and his repeated distorted claims. Should such claims from Joo Haknyeon continue, our artists and the company will take decisive measures to ensure that we do not suffer damages as a result and will submit evidence and supporting materials to judicial authorities.”
Additionally, Asuka Kirara, who had remained silent, also stated on social media on the 21st, “Several speculations are rampant, but the article from Shūkan Bunshun has not yet come out. Do not spread false information,” adding, “I have never engaged in sexual activities for money in my life, not even this time. The woman who took the photo seems to have liked Haknyeon, which is why the picture was taken and sold to Bunshun.”
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]