Joo Haknyeon Reported to Police Over Alleged Prostitution Scandal After Exit from THE BOYZ
On June 19, a netizen publicly revealed that they had filed a report with the Gangnam Police Station, accusing Joo Haknyeon of violating Article 4 of South Korea’s Act on the Punishment of Arranging Sexual Traffic. The filer emphasized that the issue goes beyond the idol, suggesting the need for a broader investigation into potential systemic facilitation of prostitution within the entertainment industry.
This legal action comes on the heels of a growing scandal involving Joo Haknyeon and former Japanese AV actress Asuka Kirara. Earlier reports revealed photos of the two at a Tokyo lounge, prompting widespread speculation about the nature of their encounter. In response, his agency, OneHundred, terminated his contract on June 18, citing the seriousness of the situation and the resulting loss of public trust.
Adding fuel to the fire, some reports claimed that Joo Haknyeon may have engaged in prostitution during this meetup, allegations that have now triggered police involvement.
According to Article 21 of the Act on the Punishment of Arranging Acts of Prostitution, individuals who engage in prostitution can face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 3 million KRW. South Korean nationals who engage in prostitution abroad are still subject to punishment under Korean law.
According to Chinese media, Asuka Kirara is allegedly involved in a high-end prostitution ring in Japan. Since 2017, her escort rates have reportedly been circulated in a private group called “Night Tour Club for Domestic and Overseas Travel,” which advertised that anyone with enough money could arrange a private meeting with Kirara Asuka.
Among the women listed in the ring, Asuka Kirara was said to have the highest rate. A full-package, 4-hour “date” with her in Tokyo was priced at 4 million yen (approximately $28,000 USD). Asuka Kirara reportedly did not offer any 90-minute sessions, stating that she was of a “higher class” and would not accept lower-paying clients. The minimum price she expected was said to be 1 million yen (around $7,000 USD). Any man willing to meet her pricing could allegedly “pay for play” with her while in Japan.
In an attempt to address the controversy, Joo Haknyeon released a handwritten apology on June 19 via his personal channel. He admitted to attending a gathering with acquaintances on the early morning of May 30 but firmly denied any illegal activity, stating, “The reports and rumors about prostitution or any unlawful acts are completely untrue.”
With legal proceedings potentially looming and public scrutiny intensifying, the fallout from this scandal continues to reverberate, both for Joo Haknyeon and the broader K-pop industry.