THE BOYZ member JU HAKNYEON has been removed from the group following a scandal involving allegations of prostitution with a Japanese adult film star.
On the 19th, JU HAKNYEON took to social media to post a handwritten apology, stating, "To all the fans and everyone who was shocked by the news about me, I am deeply sorry for causing concern with this disgraceful incident."
He admitted to being present at a drinking session with an acquaintance on May 30th but firmly denied any involvement in prostitution or any illegal activities as reported in the news and rumors.
He continued, "I deeply regret my actions and sincerely apologize to those who were shocked."
Recently, the Japanese media outlet Shūkan Bunshun confirmed that JU HAKNYEON met with adult film star Asuka Kirara at a private bar in Tokyo at the end of last month, and inquired his agency, One Hundred, about it.
One Hundred announced the removal of JU HAKNYEON from THE BOYZ, stating, "We humbly accept that our management of the artist's and members' private lives and attitudes was inadequate. We take full responsibility for this incident and deeply reflect on it."
JU HAKNYEON first gained fame in April 2017 through his appearance on Mnet's 'Produce 101' Season 2 and debuted as a member of THE BOYZ in December of the same year. Prior to this scandal, One Hundred had announced that JU HAKNYEON would not be participating in THE BOYZ's activities due to "personal reasons".
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)