Ju Haknyeon Wins Court Battle After False Prostitution Allegations
Former THE BOYZ member Ju Haknyeon has won a major legal battle against his former agency. A Seoul court dismissed an approximately 8 billion won damages lawsuit against the singer. The ruling followed controversy over allegations involving former Japanese adult film actress Asuka Kirara.
The Seoul Central District Court delivered its decision on July 16, 2026. Subsequently, Korean media outlets reported the ruling on July 23. The decision marked a significant development in the dispute that damaged Ju Haknyeon’s career.
However, the ruling concerned the agency’s damages claim and contract termination. Separately, police had already decided not to refer the prostitution allegations for prosecution in 2025.
Table of Contents
Why Did Ju Haknyeon Face These Allegations?
The controversy began in 2025 after reports described Ju Haknyeon’s private meeting with Asuka Kirara in Japan. At the time, he was a member of the popular K-pop group THE BOYZ.
Photographs reportedly showed the pair drinking together and engaging in physical contact. Consequently, the meeting attracted widespread attention among fans and entertainment media.
Later, a report alleged that Ju had paid for sex with Kirara. However, Ju repeatedly denied the prostitution allegations and rejected claims of illegal conduct.
The allegations quickly escalated beyond online discussions. On June 18, 2025, his agency announced his departure from THE BOYZ and the termination of his exclusive contract.
What Did the Court Decide in Ju Haknyeon’s Lawsuit?
One Hundred Label sought approximately 8 billion won in damages from Ju Haknyeon. The company argued that his conduct justified ending their exclusive agreement.
Nevertheless, the Seoul Central District Court rejected the agency’s claim. The court found insufficient grounds to justify the contract termination.
According to reports, the court considered the meeting with Kirara part of Ju’s private life. Although the meeting might have appeared inappropriate for an idol, the court did not consider it sufficiently serious misconduct.
Furthermore, the court noted that police had decided against referring the prostitution case for prosecution. Therefore, the allegations did not provide adequate grounds for the agency’s decision.
The ruling represented a major legal victory for Ju. However, the agency’s representative announced plans to appeal the decision. (Source: STARNEWS)
Police Had Already Dropped the Prostitution Allegations
The criminal investigation developed separately from the agency’s civil lawsuit.
On July 2, 2025, Seoul’s Gangnam Police Station decided not to refer Ju’s case to prosecutors. Police reportedly found insufficient grounds to proceed with the investigation.
The complaint had relied on online news reports rather than concrete supporting evidence. Consequently, authorities decided against forwarding the case for prosecution.
Meanwhile, Ju maintained that he had committed no prostitution-related offense. He acknowledged meeting Kirara but denied engaging in illegal activity.
This distinction matters because the police decision and the later civil judgment involved different legal questions. The court subsequently assessed whether the agency had sufficient grounds to terminate his contract. (Source: Soompi)
Reporter Indicted Over the Prostitution Allegations
The legal developments continued in 2026. On May 12, prosecutors indicted a reporter over the allegations concerning Ju Haknyeon.
According to reports published in June, prosecutors charged the reporter with defamation involving alleged false information. The disputed article had claimed that Ju paid for sex with Kirara.
The report also allegedly claimed that Ju later admitted to the conduct after initially denying it. Prosecutors reportedly found that this additional claim was false.
Moreover, investigators reviewed statements and other materials while assessing the allegations. The reporter’s indictment marked another important development in Ju’s legal dispute.
However, an indictment does not establish a final conviction. The reported proceedings concerned allegations of defamation, and their final outcome requires separate confirmation. (Source: Korea JoongAng Daily)
How Did the Controversy Affect Ju Haknyeon’s Career?
The allegations had significant professional consequences for the singer. Following the reports, One Hundred Label announced his removal from THE BOYZ and terminated his exclusive contract.
As a result, Ju faced intense public attention and uncertainty about his entertainment career. The subsequent damages lawsuit added another major legal challenge.
Nevertheless, the latest court ruling strengthened his position in the dispute with his former agency. The court rejected the company’s claim that his actions justified the contract termination.
However, the ruling does not automatically restore his former group membership. His future activities will depend on subsequent decisions and developments in his career.
What Happens Next in the Ju Haknyeon Case?
The former agency’s reported intention to appeal remains an important development. Any appeal could lead to further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the separate defamation case involving the reporter requires its own resolution. Readers should distinguish an indictment from a final court judgment.
For now, the July 2026 ruling gives Ju Haknyeon a significant victory in his civil dispute. Nevertheless, the broader impact on his career remains uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who Is Ju Haknyeon?
Ju Haknyeon is a South Korean singer and former member of the K-pop group THE BOYZ.
2. Why Was Ju Haknyeon Involved in a Controversy?
He faced allegations of paying for sex after reports about his meeting with former Japanese adult film actress Asuka Kirara. Ju denied the prostitution allegations.
3. Did the Court Rule in Ju Haknyeon’s Favor?
Yes. On July 16, 2026, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the approximately 8 billion won damages claim against him.
4. Did Police Prosecute Ju Haknyeon?
No. In July 2025, police decided not to refer the prostitution case to prosecutors because they found insufficient grounds to proceed.
5. Has the Legal Dispute Ended?
Not necessarily. His former agency announced plans to appeal the civil ruling. Separately, the reporter accused of defamation was indicted in May 2026.
Conclusion
Ju Haknyeon’s court victory marks an important development following the allegations that damaged his career. The court rejected his former agency’s substantial damages claim, finding insufficient grounds for the contract termination.
Additionally, police had previously declined to refer the prostitution allegations for prosecution. A reporter was later indicted over the disputed claims.
Nevertheless, the civil ruling, criminal investigation, and defamation proceedings remain distinct legal matters. Further verified updates will clarify the remaining questions surrounding Ju Haknyeon’s career and legal disputes.
More Info About Kpopbio
