The police have launched an investigation into Joo Hak-nyeon (26), a former member of the group The Boyz, who has been accused of prostitution.
The accuser, referred to as A, announced on the 19th that the case he reported has been assigned to the Women's and Youth Division of the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul.
Previously, A had stated that he submitted a complaint to the Seoul Police Agency requesting an investigation into Joo Hak-nyeon's violation of Article 4 (Prohibited Acts) of the Act on the Punishment of Acts of Prostitution.
Joo Hak-nyeon is currently facing difficulties due to the prostitution allegations.
The controversy began on the 18th when a media outlet reported that Joo Hak-nyeon had met former AV actress Asuka Kirara (37) at a private bar in Tokyo at the end of May and engaged in physical contact such as hugging.
In response, his agency, One Hundred, stated, "We take the seriousness of this matter very seriously and clearly recognize that it is difficult to maintain trust as an artist," announcing Joo Hak-nyeon's departure from The Boyz and the termination of his exclusive contract.
Subsequently, additional allegations arose that Joo Hak-nyeon had engaged in prostitution with Asuka.
According to Article 21 of the Act on the Punishment of Acts of Prostitution, a person who engages in prostitution can face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 3 million won. Korean nationals who engage in prostitution abroad are also subject to punishment under domestic law.
Joo Hak-nyeon acknowledges his meeting with Asuka but strongly denies the allegations of prostitution.
He posted a handwritten apology on his social media, stating, "It is true that I was present at a drinking party with acquaintances in the early morning of May 30, 2025, but I have never engaged in prostitution or any illegal activities as mentioned in the articles or rumors."
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
