“…as if someone was fabricating a reason for my contract termination…”
Former THE BOYZ‘s Ju Haknyeon has been engulfed in controversy the past week. It was previously revealed that he had socialized with former Japanese pornstar Asuka Kirara. Later, TenAsia reported that he had solicite prostitution from her. Ju Haknyeon firmly denied this, although he admitted to having seen her. Incriminating photos of the two were also released.
On June 22, 2025, Haknyeon took to Instagram to address the matter once more.
Hello, this is Ju Haknyeon.
Before the agency received an inquiry from Shūkan Bunshun, I was the first to hear that photos had been taken. I immediately explained the situation truthfully to the company and asked for their help. I acknowledge the part where I was in the wrong and tried to make choices that would minimize the damage to the other members. I spent many sleepless nights filled with guilt toward the fans who supported me and the teammates I shared everything with. It was incredibly painful. As a result, I halted all activities and discussed follow-up measures with the company.
However, the agency suddenly sent over a termination agreement and an agreement statement that asked I pay over ₩2.00 billion KRW (about $1.46 million USD). They also asked for a massive penalty amount that is not even claimable under the terms of our contract. They stated there was no room for negotiation.
Unable to accept such an unreasonable demand, I refused to sign the termination agreement on June 17, 2025. The very next day, the agency abruptly released an official statement announcing my departure from the group. This was before any Shūkan Bunshun article had been published. Immediately after, reports started appearing about me meeting an AV actress, and then a shocking exclusive from TenAsia accused me of prostitution. Based on that report, I was instantly branded a sex offender by other media, bloggers, and YouTubers.
The next day, someone even filed a police report against me for prostitution based on that false article. The speed and sequence of these events felt too coordinated—it was as if someone was fabricating a reason for my contract termination. I became terrified that if I remained silent, I would be branded a sex offender for the rest of my life. All of this unfolded within just two days.
— Ju Haknyeon
He drew suspicions about the order of the matter, alluding that something might have been working behind the scenes to create a seemingly justifiable reason for his contract to be terminated. Ju Haknyeon decided to stand up for himself and call out his agency for allegedly trying to force his departure.
So I couldn’t stay silent any longer. I released this statement and filed a criminal complaint against the journalist responsible for the false report. I also plan to pursue civil action against both the journalist and the media outlet. Additionally, I will sue the person who reported me to the police for false accusation.
There are also unjust aspects to the agency’s reason for forcing my departure. The clause they cited — “acts that damage reputation” is too vague and open to arbitrary interpretation. The original contract specifies such acts as DUI, drug use, gambling, prostitution, assault, sexual assault, and fraud. I have never committed any of these. Furthermore, the agency failed to follow the proper termination procedure outlined in Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the contract, and unilaterally removed me.
On May 30, I am not claiming that my behavior was flawless. I sincerely apologize to the fans who believed in me as an idol and supported me, for showing such carelessness. I deeply reflect on my actions and will carry this lesson with me for the rest of my life.
But without knowing why, I was suddenly turned into a sex criminal overnight. It felt like a character assassination. I felt like everyone was pointing fingers at me wherever I went. I cried endlessly thinking of the fans, my mother, and family who have stood by me. If I gave up without revealing the truth, I would forever be remembered as a sex offender. And if I let fear stop me from speaking up, the unjust accusations wouldn’t just end with me — my family, fans, and friends would have to live with the stigma of being associated with a “sex offender.”
I will hold the journalist and media outlet that falsely reported me accountable to the end, and I intend to find out who is behind all of this. It’s daunting to fight a powerful company on my own, but I will endure to the end, for those who still support and care for me. Thank you for reading this long message.
— Ju Haknyeon
You can read more about his initial statement below.
Ju Haknyeon Calls Out Agency Claiming He Never Left The Group
