Juhaknyeon, a member of the popular K-pop group The Boyz, officially withdrew from the group on June 18, 2025, following a controversy surrounding his private life. The announcement came alongside the termination of his exclusive contract with the former agency Wonhandred, which also issued a heartfelt apology to fans and the public for the turmoil caused.
The situation unfolded rapidly after reports surfaced that Juhaknyeon had been involved in a private meeting with former Japanese adult video (AV) actress Asuka Kirara. News1 reported that at the end of May 2025, Juhaknyeon was seen at a private bar in Tokyo's Roppongi district, socializing with acquaintances, including Asuka Kirara. The Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun captured photos of Juhaknyeon and Asuka hugging and engaging in close physical contact until the early hours, sparking widespread public attention and concern.
Asuka Kirara, who debuted as an AV actress in 2007 and retired in 2020, has since transitioned into an influencer role. Juhaknyeon, meanwhile, debuted with The Boyz in 2017 and gained recognition through his appearance on Mnet's 'Produce 101 Season 2'.
Upon receiving information about the private life issue, Wonhandred, The Boyz's agency, immediately suspended Juhaknyeon's activities to thoroughly verify the facts. After careful examination, the agency concluded that the issue was severe enough to jeopardize the trust required for his role as an artist.
In a formal statement released on June 18, Wonhandred explained, “We received news of Juhaknyeon’s private life issue and promptly halted his activities while conducting a meticulous verification process. The gravity of the situation was recognized, and it became clear that it would be difficult for him to maintain trust as an artist.”
The agency further disclosed that after extensive discussions with the remaining members of The Boyz, the decision was made to finalize Juhaknyeon's withdrawal from the group and terminate his exclusive contract. Wonhandred emphasized that this choice was an unavoidable measure to protect the group and its members. They asked for understanding from fans and the public regarding the necessity of this action.
Wonhandred also pledged to support the remaining members of The Boyz, ensuring they could continue their activities without disruption. “We will spare no effort in providing all necessary support and resources so that the rest of The Boyz can maintain a healthy and stable career going forward,” the agency affirmed.
In addition to the contract termination announcement, Wonhandred's CEO Cha Ga-won issued a late-night apology to fans and the public, acknowledging the agency's shortcomings in managing the private lives and conduct of their artists. Cha expressed sincere regret for the distress caused, stating, “We humbly accept that our management of the artist's private life and behavior was insufficient. We recognize our heavy responsibility and deeply reflect on these matters.”
He outlined concrete steps the agency plans to take to prevent similar incidents in the future, including strengthening the management system regarding artists' private lives and conduct, enhancing ethics education, and improving internal processes. Cha promised, “We will approach our duties with greater responsibility to restore trust among fans and the public.”
This development comes just two days after Wonhandred initially announced on June 16, 2025, that Juhaknyeon would temporarily suspend his activities due to personal reasons. However, the situation quickly escalated following the revelations of his private interactions in Japan, leading to the final decision to part ways.
Juhaknyeon's departure marks a significant moment for The Boyz, a group that has steadily risen in prominence since their 2017 debut. While the agency and the group face the challenge of moving forward, fans remain hopeful that the remaining members will continue to thrive and uphold the group's reputation.
The controversy underscores the delicate balance K-pop agencies must maintain between managing the public image of their artists and respecting their private lives. It also highlights the intense scrutiny idols face, where personal actions can swiftly impact professional careers.
As the entertainment industry watches closely, Wonhandred's response and reforms may set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future, emphasizing accountability and transparency.
For now, The Boyz and their supporters are navigating a period of change, with the agency committed to safeguarding the group's stability and success in the wake of this challenging episode.
