Joo Haknyeon, a former member of the group The Boyz, and former AV actor Asuka Kirara were seen sharing a back hug on the street.
On the 21st, Japanese media Weekly Bunshun reported that Joo Haknyeon and former AV actor Asuka Kirara were photographed hugging each other from behind.
According to the report, the two were hugging in the bustling area of Roppongi, Tokyo. The photo shows Joo Haknyeon, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a mask, embracing Asuka Kirara from behind. The media stated, "Despite the attention from passersby, the two continued to hug." The photo was soon deleted but quickly spread online through social media.
On the same day, online entertainment media Dispatch reported that Joo Haknyeon had a drinking party until dawn with a designer, acquaintances, and Asuka Kirara on the 30th of last month in Japan. After drinking at the first bar, karaoke, and a private room, Joo Haknyeon took a taxi with Asuka Kirara to her home. He returned to The Boyz's accommodation, a hotel, the next morning.
Joo Haknyeon admitted to attending the drinking party but strongly denied the prostitution allegations. A representative from his agency stated in an interview with Dispatch, "(Joo Haknyeon) did not return to the accommodation that day. When asked 'Where were you?' he bragged, 'I was at Kirara's house. I slept with her.' However, when he decided to leave the group, he changed his story, saying, 'I did not have relations at Kirara's house. I said that to sound impressive.'"
Asuka Kirara also posted on her SNS, "I have never engaged in prostitution for money in private. Of course, this time is no different," denying the allegations.
Reports from Weekly Bunshun and others revealed that Joo Haknyeon drank with Asuka Kirara and visited her home. However, both parties deny the prostitution allegations.
However, the reason fans turned their backs on Joo Haknyeon is largely unrelated to the truth of the prostitution allegations. The controversy surrounding his private life with an AV actor as an idol has shattered trust, leading to disappointment and a loss of fan support.
Earlier on the 18th, One Hundred announced Joo Haknyeon's departure from the team and termination of his exclusive contract. Following reports that Joo Haknyeon had a private meeting with former AV actor Asuka Kirara at a private bar in Tokyo at the end of May, they stated, "We took the seriousness of the matter heavily and clearly recognized that it was difficult to maintain trust as an artist," leading to this decision.
Subsequently, on the 19th, Joo Haknyeon posted a handwritten apology on his social media, stating, "It is true that I attended a drinking party with acquaintances on the morning of May 30, 2025, and while I was present, I have never engaged in prostitution or any illegal activities as mentioned in articles or rumors."
