Ju Haknyeon, a former member of THE BOYZ, is now at the center of a heated controversy. He has been formally indicted following serious allegations involving overseas prostitution. Police have officially launched a full-scale investigation into the case.
The investigation began when a complaint was filed with Korea’s National Petition Center on June 19. The complainant urged authorities to look into Haknyeon’s alleged involvement in paid sexual services during a trip to Japan.
The accuser argued that this wasn’t just a personal matter but could point to deeper issues in how agencies manage their artists. They raised concerns about potential violations of Korea’s anti-prostitution laws, which apply even to activities occurring abroad.
The complaint raised concerns that this situation may not be an isolated event. It pointed out the possibility that staff members, producers, or even brokers based in Japan could have been part of a larger, organized system that facilitated such acts.
According to the Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun on June 18, Haknyeon was seen at a private bar in Tokyo’s Roppongi district last month with former AV actress Asuka Kirara.
Witnesses described them behaving intimately before reportedly spending the night together. While such encounters aren’t illegal by themselves, questions arose about whether money changed hands—which would constitute prostitution under Korean law.
His agency, ONE HUNDRED, acted quickly. Two days before the news broke publicly, they announced his hiatus citing “personal issues.” On June 18, he was removed from the group when the news was made public. The label decided to terminate contract and cut ties with him, stating,
“We have come to recognize the seriousness of this issue and have clearly determined that it is no longer possible for us to maintain trust in him as an artist.”
ONE HUNDRED, June 18, 2025
In response, Haknyeon shared a handwritten letter to apologize and admit he attended the gathering but firmly denied any paid sexual services.
“On May 30, 2025, I attended a private gathering with an acquaintance, and it is true that I was at that location. However, I want to make it very clear that I have never engaged in prostitution or any illegal activities, contrary to what has been reported in the articles and rumors.”
Haknyeon, June 18, 2025
However, some skeptics have questioned whether he actually penned the apology himself.
The Seoul Gangnam Police’s Women and Youth Division has taken over the case. Their investigation will reportedly examine not just the K-pop star’s actions but whether agency staff or others might have facilitated any wrongdoing. Under Korean law, even arranging prostitution for others can lead to fines or jail time.
Under Korean law, prostitution can result in up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 3 million won. Korean citizens can also face punishment if they are involved in prostitution abroad.
As Ju Haknyeon continues to deny the allegations, many people are waiting to see what the police investigation will reveal.
