Former THE BOYZ member Ju Haknyeon has been cleared by police in a high-profile scandal involving rumors of prostitution with former Japanese adult film actress Asuka Kirara. On July 2, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station confirmed they would not pursue charges against him. Haknyeon has since taken legal action against the journalist who first reported the allegations, calling the claims “lies” meant to ruin his life.
Police Drop Investigation Into Ju Haknyeonโs Alleged Prostitution Case
The scandal began in late May 2025 when photos surfaced of Haknyeon and Asuka Kirara at a private bar in Tokyoโs Roppongi district. Reports from Japanese media Shลซkan Bunshun and Korean outlet TenAsia later claimed the meeting involved paid s*xual services. These allegations led to Haknyeonโs agency, ONE HUNDRED Label, terminating his contract and removing him from THE BOYZ on June 18.
However, Haknyeon denied the claims from the start, insisting the meeting was a private gathering with no illegal activity. On July 2, police officially closed the case, stating there was no evidence to support the prostitution claims.
Ju Haknyeonโs Instagram statement: โAn article of lies that aims to ruin my life. Just why did you do that? Let the court reveal the truth.โ
Ju Haknyeon Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Reporter
Following the police decision, Haknyeon filed a lawsuit against TenAsia reporter Choi Ji Ye under South Koreaโs Information and Communications Network Act. He accuses the journalist of spreading false information that damaged his reputation and career. If he wins, the reporter could face fines of up to 1 billion KRW (approx. $730,000 USD) in damages.
Haknyeonโs legal team argues that the article lacked verified evidence and caused irreversible harm to his public image. The lawsuit marks a rare case of a K-pop idol directly suing media over scandal reporting.
Agency and Public Reactions
ONE HUNDRED Label initially defended their decision to terminate Haknyeonโs contract, citing a “breach of trust.” They claimed he violated his contractโs clause on “conduct damaging an artistโs dignity.” However, Haknyeon countered that the agency acted unfairly, demanding 2 billion KRW (approx. $1.46 million USD) in penalties before proper investigation.
Fans and netizens have largely supported Haknyeon, criticizing media outlets for rushing to judgment.
Korean netizen comments:
“If itโs false information, then filing a lawsuit is the right thing to do. This isnโt just a dating rumor; it’s prostitution. Thatโs a crime.”
“TenAsia is just a trashy, clout-chasing outlet. I support the lawsuit.”
“The company is the weirdest one here. Feels like theyโre trying to ruin him on purpose.”
Asuka Kirara Denies Prostitution Allegations
Asuka Kirara, the former JAV actress involved in the rumors, also denied any illegal activity. She stated on Twitter (X):
“I have never once in my life engaged in paid sx acts in private. A woman who was there for the first time seemed to like Haknyeon, so she had her photo taken and sold to Bunshun.”*
With the police investigation closed, Haknyeonโs focus is now on his defamation lawsuit. The case could set a precedent for how K-pop idols handle media scandals in the future. Meanwhile, THE BOYZ continues as a 10-member group, with the agency pledging to protect the remaining members from further disruption.
Credits: Asian Junkie
