The Boyz struggle with ongoing controversies despite distancing from Ju Haknyeon scandal
The Boyz / Xportsnews
The Boyz, once praised for their unity and bold agency move, are now facing a string of controversies that have left fans disappointed.
In November last year, all 11 members of the group departed IST Entertainment and joined new label Onehundred, established by MC Mong and p_Arc Group chairperson Cha Ga-won. The rare simultaneous transfer of an entire group under a single agency was viewed as a sign of strength and unity, drawing attention as a positive example of group preservation.
However, 2025 has proven rocky for the group. In April, a video of member Sunwoo dropping his AirPods and shouting “My AirPods!” while entering an elevator went viral online. Criticism erupted after a security guard quickly picked up the device and handed it to him, with Sunwoo receiving backlash for not expressing thanks. The incident intensified when actress Nana, formerly of After School, commented on social media, “He needs to be scolded,” prompting Sunwoo to issue an apology.
Nana, left, and Sunwoo / Xportsnews
That same month, Kevin drew criticism after being invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Kiwoom Heroes baseball game. Despite the invitation, he was seen holding up a digital message rooting for KIA Tigers — Kiwoom’s competitor — and mimicked the KIA mascot's tiger pose in photos. He later apologized.
Member Juyeon was swept into a dating rumor with actress Cynthia on June 10. Although both parties swiftly denied the claims, Sunwoo sparked additional controversy with a dismissive post saying, “Ignore the fiction and come play Rummikub,” which was seen as flippant. He later apologized, acknowledging the post was “thoughtless” and saying, “I’m truly sorry if this made anyone feel worse.”
Juyeon also issued an apology, saying, “I’m sorry for upsetting The B (our fans). Even though many of the claims aren’t true, I take responsibility for the situation. I promise never to repeat the same mistake.”
Juyeon, left, and Cynthia / Xportsnews
The situation escalated with a scandal involving Ju Haknyeon. On June 18, reports surfaced that he had met with former adult film actress Asuka Kirara at a private bar in Tokyo, May 29. The report included allegations of physical contact during a late-night drinking session.
Shortly after, Onehundred announced, “Upon confirming Ju Haknyeon’s involvement in the matter, we immediately suspended his activities. After thorough review, we determined the issue was serious and decided on his departure from The Boyz and the termination of his contract.”
Further reports emerged alleging Ju Haknyeon had engaged in prostitution. The singer has denied the claims twice and publicly expressed opposition to the agency’s decision.
Ju Haknyeon / Xportsnews
“I never agreed to leave the team or terminate my contract,” Ju Haknyeon said. “The company demanded over 2 billion won ($1.44 million) in compensation and told me to leave. I never accepted that.”
Onehundred responded, “The contract termination was carried out according to the terms outlined in the exclusive agreement. It was a legitimate and reasonable decision. If these claims continue, we will take all necessary legal measures to protect the company and its artists.”
Meanwhile, the agency has removed Ju Haknyeon from The Boyz’s official social media and unfollowed him across both group and individual accounts, signaling a swift and clear separation.
This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.