Japanese Netizens Weigh In on Joo Haknyeon’s Scandal with Ex-AV Star Asuka Kirara

Following news of a late-May meeting between former THE BOYZ member Joo Haknyeon and former AV actress Asuka Kirara at a private Tokyo lounge bar, Japanese online communities erupted with commentary. Some remarked, “Asuka took overseas photos with a Johnny’s idol a few years ago,” and “She’s been spotted with Japanese idols abroad before—this isn’t the first time.”

“Johnny’s idols” refers to male celebrities trained and managed by Johnny & Associates, a legendary Japanese talent agency founded in 1962 by Johnny Kitagawa. Often simply called “Johnny’s,” the agency dominated the Japanese entertainment industry for decades and was known for producing some of the country’s most iconic male idol groups.

Meanwhile, others expressed harsher views about the fallout from Joo’s scandal, “He worked so hard to debut, only to have it ruined by a woman forever,” and “Once you leave the group for this, there’s no comeback.”

Notably, some Japanese users questioned Korea’s reaction altogether:

• “AV isn’t a crime in Japan—why does dating someone with that past end an idol’s career?”
• “This feels like visiting a red-light district—should it really be scandalous?”
• “He’s done for in Korea, but in Japan, people wouldn’t even blink.”

Amid the international buzz, Joo Haknyeon addressed the allegations in an Instagram Story on June 19. He acknowledged being at the gathering with Asuka Kirara but firmly denied any involvement in prostitution or criminal acts, writing, “I sincerely apologize to fans and everyone shocked by the reports. I deeply reflect on my actions and express my regret to those disappointed.”

On June 18, agency OneHundred Label officially announced Joo Haknyeon’s departure from THE BOYZ and the termination of his exclusive contract. The company cited the severity of the situation as grounds for his removal.

The scandal stems from a Shūkan Bunshun report confirming Joo Haknyeon’s late May visit to a Tokyo bar, where he was seen drinking and allegedly engaging in intimate gestures with Asuka. The article prompted OneHundred Labell’s internal probe and ultimately led to his exit from the group.

As discourse continues to unfold across both nations, the incident has reignited debates about gender double standards, celebrity accountability, and cultural differences in how scandals are perceived.