Joo Hak-nyeon (26), a former member of the group The Boyz, has received a non-prosecution decision regarding charges of prostitution.
According to police and others on the 2nd, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station made a non-prosecution decision on the 25th of last month regarding Joo Hak-nyeon's violation of the Act on the Punishment of Prostitution and Related Acts (prostitution).
The police deemed that there were insufficient specific reasons or circumstances to initiate an investigation based on the contents of the complainant's report related to an internet article.
Earlier, a media outlet reported that Joo Hak-nyeon had engaged in prostitution and other misconduct, including hugging, with former adult film actress Asuka Kirara at a private bar in Tokyo at the end of May.
In this context, a netizen submitted a complaint to the Seoul Gangnam Police Station on the 19th through the National Government Reporting Center, asking for an investigation into Joo Hak-nyeon for violation of the Prostitution Punishment Act.
The complainant requested the police to initiate a formal investigation into Joo Hak-nyeon, clarify facts regarding the agency's former producer (name unspecified), and investigate the applicability of corporate liability.
As the controversy continued, the agency Won Hundred Red mentioned the seriousness of the matter and stated that it would be difficult to maintain trust with Joo Hak-nyeon. They then declared his withdrawal from the team and the termination of his exclusive contract.
Joo Hak-nyeon acknowledged the meeting with Asuka but denied the allegations of prostitution, claiming his innocence. He stated, "If there is evidence that I engaged in prostitution, please make it public immediately. I have not withdrawn from the team, nor have I agreed to terminate my exclusive contract."
Additionally, Joo Hak-nyeon responded by stating he would sue the unidentified person who reported him for false accusation. He also announced plans to file a civil claim against the media outlet and journalist who initially reported the incident.
The agency expressed regret over Joo Hak-nyeon's stance, pointing out his evasion of responsibility and distortion of facts, and indicated legal action.