Ju Haknyeon is facing controversy after being withdrawn from THE BOYZ and having his contract terminated over reports he met with Japanese AV actress Kirara Asuka in Japan.
His agency confirmed the contract termination and his exit from the group. Haknyeon first apologized with a handwritten note on Instagram. But rumors only grew, prompting him to post again on June 20, 2025, denying all allegations of illegal activity.
Haknyeon claims he never agreed to leave THE BOYZ or end his contract. He says the agency forced the termination without his consent, demanded over ₩200 million KRW (about $145,000 USD) as compensation, and falsely informed the press of his exit. He called out media for spreading “defamatory and baseless” rumors involving prostitution.
The agency is making it seem like there is a reason for termination of the contract, even though there is no reason for termination, and some media outlets are defaming me by mentioning prostitution without any basis.
The agency demanded compensation of over ₩200 million KRW (about $145,000 USD) and told me to leave the company, but I have never accepted it. Regardless, they announced to the press that the termination was confirmed.
I want to ask whether the agency’s attitude of trying to unilaterally remove me from the group and urge me to terminate my contract by demanding over ₩200 million KRW (about $145,000 USD) just because I was with a famous person in a private setting is the attitude of an agency that should be protecting the artist.
— Ju Haknyeon
Haknyeon said he only attended a private gathering and didn’t solicit Asuka’s services. He expressed fear but vowed to take legal action against both the agency and the media for their actions.
Netizens are rallying behind Haknyeon, questioning the agency’s shady handling and the high compensation fee. They argue if he just went to the gathering, firing him makes no sense.
The controversy is gaining traction as fans and the public continue monitoring the situation. More updates expected soon.
