Quick Read
- Ju Haknyeon has been removed from THE BOYZ following a scandal involving a meeting with former Japanese adult actress Kirara Asuka in Tokyo.
- One Hundred Label announced the termination of his contract on June 18, 2025, citing a loss of trust and the need to protect the group’s reputation.
- Fans reacted strongly to the incident and Ju Haknyeon’s final messages before his departure, expressing feelings of betrayal and disappointment.
The K-pop world was shaken on June 18, 2025, when Ju Haknyeon’s departure from THE BOYZ was officially announced. His exclusive contract with One Hundred Label was terminated following reports of a controversial meeting in Tokyo, an incident that has left fans divided and the group’s dynamic permanently altered.
Ju Haknyeon’s Exit Confirmed Amid Scandal
On June 18, One Hundred Label released a formal statement confirming the end of Ju Haknyeon’s association with THE BOYZ. The decision was prompted by an internal investigation into reports that the idol had met with Kirara Asuka, a former Japanese adult film actress, at a bar in Roppongi, Tokyo, on May 29, 2025. Witnesses reportedly observed the two sharing drinks, hugging, and engaging in close interactions, as detailed in an exclusive by Japan’s Shūkan Bunshun, cited by Indiatimes.
The agency stated, “We have recognized the severity of the issue and have taken it seriously. It has become difficult to maintain our trust in him as an artist. After sufficient discussions with the members of THE BOYZ, we have decided that Ju Haknyeon will be withdrawing from the group and that his exclusive contract will be terminated.”
Ju Haknyeon’s departure marks a significant shift for THE BOYZ, which will now continue as a 10-member group. The agency assured fans of its commitment to supporting the remaining members in a “healthy and stable” environment moving forward.
Fans React to Ju Haknyeon’s Final Messages
While the controversy surrounding Ju Haknyeon’s actions was already stirring strong emotions, his final messages to fans before the announcement added fuel to the fire. On June 16, just hours before his hiatus was announced, Ju Haknyeon posted two cryptic messages on the fan communication app “From”: “I’ve really been wanting to say this” and “Thank you so, so much for just liking me for who I am~.”
These messages, as reported by Koreaboo, sparked a wave of backlash from fans who felt they lacked accountability or remorse. Many expressed feelings of betrayal, pointing out that the messages seemed dismissive of the impact his actions had on fans and the group.
The timing of these messages, paired with the scandal, has left a lasting impression on fans, with some calling for greater transparency from idols and agencies in such situations.
The Broader Implications for THE BOYZ
Ju Haknyeon’s departure underscores the high standards and scrutiny faced by K-pop idols, both on and off the stage. His removal was framed as an “inevitable decision” to protect the group’s reputation and the well-being of its members, according to Tribune. This incident has reignited discussions about the pressures of maintaining a spotless image in the K-pop industry.
For THE BOYZ, the focus now shifts to rebuilding as a 10-member group. One Hundred Label has pledged to provide robust support to the remaining members, aiming to ensure stability and continued success in their future promotions. Fans, meanwhile, remain divided—some applauding the agency’s swift action, others lamenting the loss of a beloved member.
As the dust begins to settle, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of fame and the delicate balance idols must navigate between their personal lives and public personas.
Ju Haknyeon’s departure marks the end of a chapter for THE BOYZ and raises broader questions about accountability and image in the K-pop world. As the group moves forward, fans will watch closely to see how they adapt and grow from this pivotal moment.