K-pop star Ju Haknyeon, a leading member of the boy group THE BOYZ, has officially resigned from both the group and his agency, One Hundred Label. His departure comes after days of rising backlash over a reported scandal during a visit to Japan.

Initial Hiatus Quickly Turns into Exit

Initially, Ju announced a temporary break from group activities. He cited “personal reasons,” which led fans to assume he needed time off. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when new reports surfaced, revealing the actual reason behind his absence.

Tokyo Night Out Sparks Controversy

On June 18, Korean news outlet News1, quoted by Koreaboo, reported that Ju had spent time with Kirara Asuka, a former Japanese adult film star, at a bar in Roppongi, Tokyo, on May 29.

According to the report, Ju was accompanied by friends, and the group drank throughout the night. Witnesses claimed that Ju and Asuka were physically close. As described in the article, “they hugged, and at one point, she rested her chin on his shoulder.”

Media Inquiry Prompts Agency Reaction

Shortly after Japanese outlet Shūkan Bunshun contacted One Hundred Label for a response, the agency spoke directly with Ju. They confirmed that he was involved in the incident and immediately took internal action.

Agency Issues Statement and Confirms Departure

In an official statement, One Hundred Label explained their decision. They said, “We recently took action to suspend Ju Haknyeon’s activities as soon as we were informed that he was involved in a controversial incident in order to take time to thoroughly investigate and verify the facts.”

The agency continued, “As a result of our investigation, we have recognised the severity of the issue and have taken it seriously. We have realised that it has become difficult to maintain our trust in him as an artist.”

After discussing the matter with the other members of THE BOYZ, the agency made its final decision. “After sufficient discussions with the members of THE BOYZ,” they said, “we have decided that Ju Haknyeon will be withdrawing from the group and that his exclusive contract will be terminated.”

They concluded, “This decision was an inevitable one made to protect the members of THE BOYZ and the group as a whole.”

THE BOYZ to Continue with Ten Members

Following Ju’s exit, THE BOYZ will carry on with ten members: Sangyeon (leader), Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric.

This change marks a significant moment for the group, which has built a loyal fan base in both South Korea and Japan. While some fans expressed disappointment, others supported the agency’s decision to maintain its standards.

Ju Haknyeon’s Role in THE BOYZ

Ju had been a member of THE BOYZ since the group debuted in 2017. He stood out for his visuals and charm, playing a strong part in performances and fan engagement. THE BOYZ gained fame through albums, reality shows, and overseas events.

However, this scandal and his sudden departure could impact not only his personal career but also the future dynamic of the group.