The scandal erupted after Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun reported on June 16 that THE BOYZ’s Joo Haknyeon had privately met former Japanese AV actress Asuka Kirara at a lounge bar in Tokyo’s Roppongi district in May. Eyewitnesses claimed the two displayed “skinship,” including hugging and leaning on each other, during a gathering that lasted into the early hours.
Just days before the report surfaced, Joo Haknyeon’s agency ONEHUNDRED had announced his temporary suspension from activities due to “personal reasons.” Following the media revelations, the company issued a new statement, declaring his official withdrawal from THE BOYZ and the termination of his exclusive contract.
“After carefully reviewing the matter, we recognized the seriousness of the issue and the resulting loss of trust as an artist,” the agency stated. “This decision was unavoidable to protect the team and its remaining members.”
Public scrutiny intensified as fans recalled that Asuka Kirara is still in a publicly acknowledged relationship with Hirok (Hirokawa Ryu). Back in August 2024, Japanese media outlets such as L Magazine reported that Asuka Kirara appeared alongside her boyfriend Hirok (real name Hirokawa Ryu) at the Kansai Collection fashion show held at Osaka’s Kyocera Dome. The two cosplayed as characters Akazukin and Silver Wolf Val from the anime Fairy Musketeers Akazukin.
Kirara explained, “I was strict with him at times so that he could achieve his dream of walking the runway. His dream became my dream too. I was happy to walk the runway with him.” Kirara and Hirok reportedly met through a video collaboration and later confirmed their relationship on social media. Hirok, who is 12 years younger than Kirara, revealed in 2021 that he has an intellectual disability, earning widespread support and encouragement from the public.
Kirara, who debuted as an AV actress in 2007 and retired in 2020, remains a prominent influencer and has held well-attended fan meetings in Korea. However, the resurfacing of her romantic timeline with Hirok alongside the encounter with Joo Haknyeon has fueled public backlash and confusion.
While Kirara has not confirmed a breakup with Hirok, netizens are questioning the appropriateness of her meeting with Joo Haknyeon under these circumstances.
As the dust settles, THE BOYZ will continue as an 11-member group, with ONEHUNDRED stating its intent to support the team moving forward. Meanwhile, the fallout from the scandal continues to spark debate across fan communities and online forums.
