Ju Haknyeon, former member of THE BOYZ, finds himself in the center of controversy following his alleged involvement with Japanese AV actress Asuka Kirara and the ensuing fallout with his agency, One Hundred. Despite his emotional appeal to the public and denial of any wrongdoing, public sentiment remains largely unsympathetic.
The scandal erupted after Ju declared a halt in activities, which was later revealed to be connected to his association with Asuka Kirara, a figure known for appearances in 446 adult films. The revelation shocked fans and the public, causing a swift and harsh backlash.
One Hundred announced Ju’s departure and contract termination on June 18, citing a breach of contract under Clause 6.3 damage to the image and dignity required of a public figure. However, Ju claims he neither agreed to leave the group nor accepted the contract termination. In a statement on June 20, he challenged the agency, asking for evidence of any illegal behavior and accusing them of manipulating the situation to force his exit.
Ju also disclosed that he was pressured to sign a termination settlement that demanded over 2 billion won in compensation. He insists the figures include a prorated refund of his 1.5 billion won signing bonus, with 1.23 billion won remaining for the unfulfilled term. The remaining 770 million won was calculated based on projected earnings from THE BOYZ’s active contracts.
Despite Ju’s claim of being a victim of “character assassination,” public reaction has been cold. Many view the AV-related scandal as damaging enough to warrant his departure, regardless of the legal nuances.
Even his appeal on Instagram, where he described his fear of being unfairly labeled a sex offender and his emotional distress, failed to reverse the tide. Critics highlight that while he emphasizes personal suffering, he sidesteps responsibility for the scandal’s broader impact on the group and fans.
As Sports Chosun noted, the financial terms Ju objects to are standard in the K-pop industry where early termination typically requires refunding any unearned portions of signing bonuses, unless otherwise stipulated.
The growing sentiment online is one of fatigue with celebrity scandals and a call for accountability rather than emotional appeals. The backlash highlights the public’s high expectations of idols and the difficulty of recovering public trust once it’s broken.
In the face of intensifying public scrutiny, Ju Haknyeon’s case underscores the fragile line between the right to defend one’s personal dignity and the responsibility that comes with being a public figure. Regardless of the ultimate truth, it’s evident that his image has suffered a severe blow not just due to the scandal itself, but also because of how the crisis was handled, leaving fans feeling betrayed. With trust already broken, Ju’s path back into the entertainment industry will be long and far from easy.
