Ju Haknyeon Scandal: The Boyz's Image at Stake

The personal scandal involving Ju Haknyeon, a former member of boy group The Boyz, has escalated beyond a mere incident, prompting an official apology from the CEO of his agency, One Hundred, the termination of a collaboration with a brand, and even a police investigation. Recently, it was noted that members of The Boyz unfollowed Ju Haknyeon on social media, indicating a significant rift within the group.

On the night of June 18, Cha Ga-won, the head of One Hundred, issued a press release expressing sincere apologies to fans and the public for the distress caused by recent events involving their artists. He acknowledged the agency's shortcomings in managing personal conduct and promised improvements in ethical awareness and internal systems.

The controversy erupted after Ju Haknyeon abruptly announced a hiatus on June 16 for 'personal reasons.' Just two days later, reports surfaced of him being spotted in Japan with former AV actress Asuka Kirara, engaging in drinking and intimate behavior. Some media outlets even raised allegations of prostitution, which Ju Haknyeon denied in a handwritten letter on June 19, stating that no illegal activities occurred. However, trust within his fanbase had already been severely compromised.

The first to sever ties was the collaboration brand, global character brand Esther Bunny, which canceled its exhibition 'Esther Bunny: Finding Myself' with The Boyz, citing 'unexpected external circumstances' as the reason for the cancellation. Full refunds were also announced, leading industry insiders to interpret this as a sign that the idol's brand image had been irreparably damaged.

Fans soon shared that Ju Haknyeon's Instagram account had been unfollowed by The Boyz's official account and other members, further indicating a breakdown of trust within the group. This unfollowing occurred before any official announcement of his departure, suggesting that the members had lost faith in him.

The situation has now escalated to a police investigation. On June 19, a netizen filed a complaint against Ju Haknyeon through the National Police Agency, which has been assigned to the Women and Youth Division of the Gangnam Police Station. The complainant argued that this is not merely a personal scandal but a structural issue within the entertainment industry, calling for an investigation into potential violations of laws regarding prostitution and the involvement of a former producer from the agency. They emphasized that the allegations against an idol, who should inspire youth, cannot be dismissed as a personal lapse.

Reports have previously suggested that Ju Haknyeon was involved in prostitution during his stay in Japan, and some media claimed he admitted to such activities when evidence surfaced. While the agency has stated it will provide full support for the remaining members to continue their activities without disruption, some analysts believe this issue extends beyond the departure of a single member, potentially leaving lasting repercussions on the group's overall image and future endeavors.

This incident raises significant questions about the ethics and systems within the idol industry, as Ju Haknyeon's controversy has left a profound impact not only on himself but also on the team, brand, and the industry as a whole.