Ju Haknyeon of the group The Boyz, who has come under scrutiny due to personal life controversies, has filed a lawsuit against the journalist and media outlet that first reported the incident.
On the 22nd, Ju Haknyeon expressed his stance on the recent personal life controversy through his SNS. He stated, "Before the agency received an inquiry from Weekly Bunshun, I heard about the fact that photos were taken, so I immediately explained the situation as it was to the agency and requested help," adding, "I acknowledged the wrong parts and wanted to make choices to minimize the damage to the members as much as possible."
However, according to Ju Haknyeon, contrary to his intentions, the agency suddenly pressured him to terminate his exclusive contract and demanded over 2 billion won. When he refused to accept the demands, the agency abruptly announced his official withdrawal.
Ju Haknyeon mentioned the specific media outlet that first reported on his 'meeting with an AV actress' and stated that he has sued that media outlet and journalist. He also announced that he would proceed with a civil claim and added that he would sue the person who accused him for false accusations.
"If I give up my life without revealing the truth, I will forever be remembered as a sex offender," Ju Haknyeon explained the reason for his legal response, stating, "Fighting against a huge company as an individual is overwhelming and frightening, but I will endure to the end for the many people who still care for and support me."
In conclusion, he said, "I will hold the journalist and media outlet accountable for reporting me as a sex offender without any basis, and I will reveal who is behind them."
Earlier, on the 18th, a media outlet reported that Ju Haknyeon met former AV actress Asuka Kirara at a private bar in Tokyo at the end of May and engaged in physical contact such as hugging, causing a stir.
In response, the agency, One Hundred, stated, "We take the seriousness of the matter very seriously and clearly recognize that it is difficult to maintain trust as an artist," and added, "After sufficient discussions with the members of The Boyz, we have finalized Ju Haknyeon's withdrawal from the team and termination of his exclusive contract." Ju Haknyeon acknowledged the meeting with Asuka but denied the allegations of prostitution.
Meanwhile, Asuka Kirara, who was mentioned in the scandal with Ju Haknyeon, also stated through her SNS, "Please do not spread false information," and emphasized, "I have never engaged in prostitution in my life, and this time is no different."
Ju Haknyeon debuted as a member of The Boyz in December 2017. He is a former contestant from the Mnet audition program 'Produce 101' Season 2, where he maintained a rank within the top 11 of the debut group but ultimately ranked 19th and did not debut as a member of the project group Wanna One.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
