The K-pop industry is increasingly finding itself under the shadow of criminal controversies. Following Moon Tae-il’s ongoing case and the startling allegations surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun earlier this year, another name has been added to the list – Ju Haknyeon!

ONE HUNDRED, the agency of THE BOYZ, has issued an official statement confirming Ju Haknyeon’s departure from the group and the termination of his exclusive contract on June 18th.

THE BOYZ’s agency responds

In their official statement, the agency said, “As soon as we were informed of issues involving Ju Haknyeon’s private life, our company immediately suspended his activities and took time to thoroughly verify the facts.

As a result, we have come to recognise the seriousness of this issue and have clearly determined that it is no longer possible for us to maintain the trust in him as an artist. After sufficient discussions with the members of THE BOYZ, we have made the final decision for Ju Haknyeon to depart the team and to terminate his exclusive contract……”

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According to an exclusive report from News1 earlier, a Korean media outlet, Shukan Bunshun had sent an inquiry to THE BOYZ’s agency regarding Ju Haknyeon allegedly meeting privately with former Japanese AV actress Asuka Kirara in May. In response, ONE HUNDRED label briefly confirmed the details of the report.

This hiatus was caused by Ju Haknyeon’s meeting with a former Japanese pornstar Kirara Asuka at a bar in Roppongi, Tokyo, on May 29, 2025.

Meanwhile, Taeil’s aggravated rape case runs in the background

This news just came amid former NCT member Taeil trial of an aggravated rape case. As Moon Tae-il reportedly pleaded guilty to the charges, prosecutors demanded a 7-year prison sentence for him. Meanwhile, the ex-SM Entertainment artist’s legal counsel pleaded for leniency: “Taeil submitted a statement of self-surrender to the police.”

In a move that stunned fans, nearly a year ago, SM Entertainment announced on August 28, 2024, that Taeil had been implicated in a criminal case related to a sexual crime. In the hours following the announcement, NCT members began distancing themselves from Taeil online, removing pictures with him and unfollowing his account, which went private by September. 

Chosun Ilbo reported that Taeil and two non-celebrity accomplices raped an intoxicated girl, a Chinese national, after meeting her at a bar. The prosecution on June 18, indicted charges of aggravated rape under the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes on Taeil and his two accomplices. 

Internet reacts to Taeil and Haknyeon’s scandals

Although unrelated, Taeil and Haknyeon’s K-pop scandals rapidly gained traction among netizens, as both reached significant turning points today. Taeil’s case led him to be trashed by the netizens. People took to social media platforms and openly criticised the idol for his crime and urged the court to extend his sentence. 

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“Going on live after you intoxicated someone and took advantage of her…..i hope you serve the longest time in jail”

“…..as if that wasn’t bad enough it’s what he said During that live he was acting like a victim getting pitied like words can’t describe how disgusting he is”

On the other hand, fans came out in support of Ju Haknyeon, saying he is a grown up and has his private life, the issue shouldn’t be made unnecessarily big.

“Haknyeon belongs next to The Boyz! HE DID NOTHING! Protect your artist and bring him back to his group…”

THIS IS OUR PRECIOUS JU HAKNYEON….And @THEBOYZ_officl threw him away?? For WHAT? Talking to a woman? He’s GROWN. You failed us and The Boyz. We won’t forgive you. Ever.”