Joo Hak-nyeon, former member of the group The Boyz, has released a statement asserting that his departure from the team and the termination of his exclusive contract due to private life controversies are unjust.
On the morning of the 22nd, Joo Hak-nyeon said through his personal account, "Before receiving a questionnaire from the agency at Shūkan Bunshun, I was informed that a photo had been taken, so I immediately explained the situation as it was to the agency and requested assistance. I acknowledge my mistakes and aimed to make choices that would minimize any damage to the members as much as possible," adding, "As a result, I immediately suspended my activities and discussed subsequent measures with the company," alongside a lengthy statement.
Joo Hak-nyeon is said to have met privately with former adult film actress Asuka Kirara at a private bar in Tokyo, Japan, at the end of last month. This revelation shocked fans, especially since he had previously announced a temporary suspension of his activities without any clear reason. Subsequently, reports surfaced alleging that Joo Hak-nyeon had paid for sexual activities, and the issue of 'Joo Hak-nyeon and the allegations of sexual transactions with an adult film actress' gained momentum.
In relation to this, both Joo Hak-nyeon and Asuka Kirara have firmly denied the allegations of sexual transactions. Joo Hak-nyeon stated in a letter of apology, "On May 30, 2025, I was at a drinking party with acquaintances, which is true, but I have never engaged in any illegal activities such as those alleged in articles or rumors, including sexual transactions. I deeply reflect on my actions and would like to sincerely apologize to those who may have been shocked."
Asuka Kirara also explained, "I have never engaged in sexual acts for money in my life, let alone this time. It seems that a woman I met for the first time at that gathering liked Hak-nyeon and took a photo that was sold to Shūkan Bunshun."
Amid the allegations, the agency maintains that the termination of the contract is justified. When Joo Hak-nyeon stated that he disagreed with the unjust nature of the termination of his exclusive contract and his departure from The Boyz, claiming that he was being demanded a penalty fee of 2 billion won, the agency, One Hundred, emphasized, "We terminated our exclusive contract with Joo Hak-nyeon in accordance with the provisions of the exclusive contract, and we clearly state that it was a just and reasonable action. The essence of this matter lies in Joo Hak-nyeon's evasion of responsibility and repeated distorted claims."
In particular, One Hundred stated, "If Mr. Joo Hak-nyeon continues to make such claims, our agency and artists will take all legal measures to prevent any damage resulting from this and will submit evidence and documentation to judicial authorities."
However, Joo Hak-nyeon reiterated in his statement, "The agency suddenly demanded that I sign an agreement to pay over 2 billion won for the termination of the contract. They demanded an unreasonable penalty amount that could not be claimed according to the contract and stated that there was no room for negotiation." He added, "I could not accept the agency's unjust demands. When I did not sign the prepared contract termination agreement on the 17th, the next day, the agency suddenly announced my departure as an official stance."
Joo Hak-nyeon continued, "Although the article was released before Shūkan Bunshun published the report, immediately after, articles started surfacing about my meeting with an adult film actress, followed by exclusive reports that I had engaged in sexual transactions. Because of other media, bloggers, and YouTubers that referenced that article, I became branded as a shameless sex transaction criminal overnight. The next day, someone filed a complaint with law enforcement against me for sexual transactions based on false articles. Everything about this process felt oddly orchestrated. I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was creating the reason for the termination of the exclusive contract."
He also stated, "The fear that I would be branded as a sex crime perpetrator for the rest of my life grew. Therefore, I could not just remain silent. I announced my statement and am suing the journalist who published false reports. I also plan to file a civil claim against that journalist and media outlet. Furthermore, I intend to file charges of false accusation against the person who reported me immediately after the false reporting by a specific media outlet."
Joo Hak-nyeon argued that the agency's demand for his departure is unjust, stating, "The original text of the exclusive contract specifies actions that damage dignity (drunk driving, drug use, gambling, sexual transactions, assault, sexual assault, fraud, etc.). I have never committed any criminal acts mentioned in that provision. The agency unilaterally expelled me without adhering to the termination procedures stipulated in Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the exclusive contract."
Additionally, Joo Hak-nyeon expressed, "I absolutely do not claim that my conduct was right. I sincerely apologize to the fans who believed in me and supported me as an idol for showing imprudent behavior. I will deeply reflect on this and carry it in my heart for the rest of my life." He added, "However, due to unknown reasons, I suddenly became a sex crime perpetrator and felt a sense of personal annihilation for the first time. It seems as though everyone looks at me and points fingers, wherever I go."
Finally, Joo Hak-nyeon concluded, "I will hold the journalist and media outlet responsible for portraying me as a sex criminal without any evidence, and I will uncover who is behind them. Fighting against a large company as an individual is difficult and frightening, but nevertheless, I will continue to persevere for those who still care for me and support me. Thank you for reading my lengthy letter."
Meanwhile, amid the sharp conflict over the personal life issues between both sides, the Japanese media outlet Shūkan Bunshun reported on the 21st that a photo of Joo Hak-nyeon and Asuka Kirara embracing from behind was captured in Roppongi, Tokyo. The outlet stated that the man and woman in the photo were Joo Hak-nyeon and Asuka Kirara and that they continued to embrace even when shown to passersby.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]