In a series of developments that have sent ripples through South Korea's entertainment industry, MC Mong, a renowned singer and producer, has been abruptly dismissed from his role at the entertainment agency Wonhundredred. This move comes amid growing controversies surrounding The Boyz member Juhaknyeon, who was expelled from the group following allegations linked to a private meeting with former Japanese adult video (AV) actress Asuka Kirara.
On June 13, 2025, Wonhundredred officially announced that MC Mong was removed from his company duties citing "personal reasons." The sudden nature of this dismissal has sparked widespread speculation, particularly because MC Mong co-founded Wonhundredred alongside Chairman Cha Ga-won of Peak Group. His influence extended deeply into the company’s operations, as he also served as an in-house director for the subsidiary Big Planet Made and acted as the general producer for the rookie girl group Badvillain in 2024.
Just days later, on June 18, 2025, Wonhundredred revealed that Juhaknyeon would be removed from The Boyz's activities and that his exclusive contract was terminated. This decision was linked to reports that surfaced in May 2025, when a Japanese weekly magazine disclosed that Juhaknyeon had visited a private bar in Tokyo’s Roppongi district with Japanese acquaintances, including Asuka Kirara. The two reportedly shared drinks until the early morning hours and engaged in skinship, such as hugging, which some media outlets sensationalized as evidence of prostitution.
Juhaknyeon, who first gained public attention through his participation in Mnet’s "Produce 101" Season 2 in April 2017 and debuted with The Boyz in December 2017, responded to the allegations on social media. He admitted to attending the drinking party with an acquaintance but firmly denied any involvement in prostitution or illegal activities. Despite his denial, the agency had already acted decisively two days prior to the public report, suspending his activities and terminating his contract after thorough internal discussions.
Adding complexity to the unfolding story, media sources reported that a producer from Wonhundredred was also dismissed due to prostitution-related suspicions connected to the same incident. While some have speculated that this producer might be MC Mong, the company has not confirmed this, and MC Mong himself has remained silent, deleting past social media posts but offering no public explanation.
Fans and the public have responded with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Some have questioned the connection between MC Mong’s dismissal and Juhaknyeon’s scandal, speculating on social media about the possible links. Comments on MC Mong’s posts have included queries such as "Is this related to Juhaknyeon?" and "Why were the posts deleted?" but these have gone unanswered.
Meanwhile, Chairman Cha Ga-won issued a formal statement addressing the situation, expressing regret over the agency’s insufficient management of its artists and staff. He acknowledged the company’s responsibility, stating, "We humbly accept that our management of the private lives and attitudes of our artists and members was inadequate. We deeply reflect on this matter and vow to devote greater effort to artist management moving forward." This message underscores the agency’s recognition of the gravity of the incidents and its commitment to preventing similar occurrences in the future.
On June 19, 2025, the controversy escalated further when a formal complaint was filed with the National Police Agency via the Seoul Gangnam Police Station. The complaint called for an investigation into Juhaknyeon’s alleged overseas prostitution activities and the possible involvement of agency officials. The complainant characterized the issue as a "structural problem in the entertainment industry," emphasizing that it transcends a mere private life controversy.
The complaint alleged that Juhaknyeon confessed to paying for prostitution overseas, which violates Article 4 (Prohibited Acts) of South Korea’s Act on the Punishment of Prostitution. It also called on authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the suspicions surrounding both Juhaknyeon and the agency officials, including the producer dismissed over related issues. The complainant urged the police to consider whether there was any complicity, abetting, or pimping involved, highlighting the potential for an organized network including entertainers, staff, external producers, and Japanese intermediaries.
This call for a broader investigation reflects growing concerns about systemic issues within the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the exploitation and management of artists and staff. It suggests that the scandal involving Juhaknyeon and the dismissed producer might be indicative of deeper, industry-wide problems that require comprehensive scrutiny.
Despite mounting pressure, MC Mong has maintained a low profile. His silence and the deletion of his social media posts have only intensified public curiosity. The lack of official statements leaves many questions unanswered, fueling speculation about his exact role or connection to the scandal.
The intertwined fates of MC Mong and Juhaknyeon highlight the fragile nature of careers in the entertainment world, where personal conduct and public image are under constant scrutiny. MC Mong’s abrupt exit from Wonhundredred and Juhaknyeon’s fall from The Boyz spotlight a turbulent period for the agency, which must now navigate the fallout while attempting to restore trust among fans and the broader public.
As investigations proceed and the agency reassesses its internal policies, the entertainment community watches closely. The case raises broader questions about accountability, the pressures faced by artists, and the role of management companies in safeguarding their talents’ welfare and reputations.
In the meantime, the public awaits further clarity on MC Mong's status and the full extent of the scandal. The unfolding events serve as a cautionary tale about the complexities of fame and the consequences of private actions becoming public controversies.
