Joo Haknyeon Denies Prostitution with AV Actress, Says Agency Demands 2 Billion KRW in Damages

Claims "I Have Not Withdrawn from The Boyz"

The Boyz Ju Haknyeon profile photo. Onehundred

Joo Haknyeon (26), formerly of the group The Boyz, has denied allegations of prostitution involving a Japanese adult video (AV) actress and announced that he will take legal action against his agency Onehundred and certain media outlets.

On June 20, through social networking services (SNS), Joo Haknyeon stated, "I have already made it clear that I have not engaged in any illegal acts, but I will take all possible civil and criminal legal action against certain media outlets and reporters who continue to spread malicious reports," adding, "If there is any evidence that I engaged in prostitution, I ask you to disclose it immediately."

Previously, some media outlets reported that on May 29, Joo Haknyeon had a private drinking session in Tokyo, Japan, with Asuka Kirara (37), who has appeared in more than 400 AV titles. These reports also claimed that Joo Haknyeon gave her a monetary gift after their meeting.

In response, Joo Haknyeon said, "It is true that I was present with a famous person in a private setting, but the prostitution allegation is completely groundless," and argued, "I am suffering serious defamation due to baseless suspicions and reports."

On June 16, Onehundred announced Joo Haknyeon's suspension of activities, and on June 18, stated, "As soon as we were informed of issues related to his private life, we immediately suspended his activities and thoroughly checked the facts," adding, "After sufficient discussions with The Boyz members, we have confirmed Joo Haknyeon's withdrawal from the team and the termination of his exclusive contract."

The controversy spread as reports surfaced that a producer from the same agency had been removed from duties due to prostitution allegations. On the same day, Onehundred chairman Cha Gawon issued a statement saying, "We humbly accept that we were insufficient in managing the private lives and attitudes of our artists and staff," and added, "We will focus on education and improving our internal systems to raise ethical awareness."

In response, Joo Haknyeon claimed, "I have not withdrawn from the team and I have never agreed to the termination of my exclusive contract," and argued, "The agency is informing the media as if the contract has been terminated without any grounds for termination, and is demanding more than 2 billion KRW in damages." He added, "They unilaterally sent a certified letter without following the procedures specified in the contract and even issued a warning about damages."

He continued, "Until now, I have endured, believing that the truth would come out, but I can no longer remain silent in the face of attempts to ruin a person based on something I did not do," and declared, "I will hold the agency and certain media outlets fully accountable to the end."