Ju Haknyeon Files Lawsuit Against Reporter Over Allegations Linked to Adult Film Star Kirara Asuka After Departing From THE BOYZ

Ju Haknyeon’s Defamation Lawsuit Amid Scandal

Just a few days after announcing his exit from the popular K-pop group THE BOYZ, singer Ju Haknyeon has once again become the center of attention. This time, he has taken legal action against a journalist for her allegations concerning his supposed involvement in a scandal with former Japanese adult film star Kirara Asuka.

Legal Action Against Defamation

On Thursday, Ju Haknyeon filed a defamation lawsuit against Choi Ji Ye, a reporter from the South Korean media outlet TenAsia. In his complaint, submitted to a Seoul court, he accused her of disseminating “false and malicious claims”that have adversely affected both his reputation and career. The lawsuit specifically cites breaches of the Act on the Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, which governs the spread of misinformation online in South Korea.

Social Media Reaction and Agency’s Response

The allegations quickly gained traction on Korean social media platforms, with hashtags linking Ju’s name to prostitution and referencing South Korea’s stringent anti-prostitution laws. Subsequently, his management agency, One Hundred, declared that Ju would be departing from THE BOYZ due to the unfolding controversy.

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Ju’s Personal Statement

In a handwritten letter to his supporters released on June 18, Ju stated, “I did meet with her, but I never paid for sex. The way the situation has been twisted and weaponized is deeply unfair. I’m devastated by the false narrative being pushed.”His personal account aims to counteract the damaging implications raised by the media reports.

Police Involvement

The Seoul Gangnam Police have acknowledged receiving a citizen complaint regarding Ju allegedly soliciting prostitution abroad; however, they have not filed any formal charges. Under South Korean legislation, individuals can face prosecution for participating in prostitution overseas, regardless of its legality in other countries.

Reactions from Kirara Asuka and Public Discourse

As of now, Kirara Asuka has not made any public comments regarding these allegations. Nonetheless, the unfolding rumors have sparked renewed discussions in Korea about the intense scrutiny faced by idols and the fine line between journalism and sensationalism.

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Legal Team’s Position and the Broader Implications

Ju’s legal representatives maintained that the reporting lacked substantiated evidence and “recklessly harmed the personal and professional integrity of our client.”They asserted, “Publishing unverified allegations about a public figure without hard proof crosses the line into defamation. We will pursue all available legal remedies to protect Mr. Ju’s name and seek accountability.”

A Shift in K-Pop Scandals

This lawsuit represents a notable instance of a K-pop idol proactively confronting scandal with legal measures. Historically, many stars have opted to remain silent or allow their management to manage crises, often at a severe cost to their careers. Ju’s immediate legal response may indicate a cultural shift, suggesting that idols are increasingly willing to publicly and legally defend their rights.

Background on THE BOYZ

Since their debut in 2017, THE BOYZ, under IST Entertainment, have cultivated a substantial fanbase both domestically and internationally. Ju Haknyeon, who hails from Jeju and has a mixed Korean-Chinese heritage, was one of the group’s most recognizable members.

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

Fans’ reactions have been polarized since the scandal broke, with some arguing that Ju is a victim of sensationalist media coverage, while others contend that idols should uphold pristine public images. Vigorous debate continues across Korean online platforms and TikTok, raising questions about whether the country’s stringent moral standards for celebrities are becoming outdated.

For the moment, Ju Haknyeon remains in the public eye, despite stepping back from the spotlight. The outcome of his lawsuit and his potential return to the music scene are topics of keen interest as the situation evolves.

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