Ju Haknyeon claims unfair removal from THE BOYZ after private meeting with ex-AV actress; agency insists contract termination was justified.
The K-pop industry is facing another controversy as THE BOYZ member Ju Haknyeon and his agency, ONE HUNDRED, are locked in a bitter dispute over his sudden removal from the group. The agency terminated his contract, citing a breach of conduct, while Haknyeon denies all allegations and vows legal action.
On June 20, Haknyeon posted a statement on Instagram denying accusations of illegal activities. He claimed his agency forced him out of the group without his consent and demanded over 2 billion KRW (approx. $1.46 million) in damages.
“I have not committed any illegal acts. If there is any evidence that I engaged in prostitution, I urge you to make it public immediately. I never withdrew from the team, nor did I agree to terminate my contract.”
The controversy began when Japanese media reported Haknyeon met privately with former AV actress Asuka Kirara in Tokyo in May. While Haknyeon admits they met at a private gathering, he denies any wrongdoing.
ONE HUNDRED responded firmly, stating they terminated his contract under Clause 6-3, which covers actions damaging an artist’s dignity. They accused Haknyeon of evading responsibility and warned of legal action if he continues making “false claims.”
“We terminated the contract based on clear terms. If Haknyeon persists with distorted claims, we will take strong legal measures to protect our artists and company.”
Police are now investigating after an anonymous complaint was filed against Haknyeon under South Korea’s Act on the Punishment of Arranging S*xual Traffic. No official charges have been confirmed.
THE BOYZ will continue as a 10-member group, with ONE HUNDRED promising full support for the remaining members. Fans are divided, with some supporting Haknyeon’s fight for fairness while others worry about the group’s reputation.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between K-pop agencies and artists over contract disputes and privacy rights. The outcome could set a precedent for future conflicts in the industry.
Credits: Korea JoongAng Daily, and iMBC Entertainment.