Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Ju Haknyeon controversy explained: Why did THE BOYZ member exit the group amid police complaint?

Ju Haknyeon was removed from THE BOYZ after a police complaint and viral photos with Japanese AV actress Asuka Kirara surfaced online.

What Led to Ju Haknyeon’s Exit From THE BOYZ Amid Police Complaint?

Ju Haknyeon exits THE BOYZ following controversy surrounding Tokyo lounge meet

Instagram/_juhaknyeon_/Getty Images

K-pop idol Ju Haknyeon has officially left THE BOYZ following explosive allegations connecting him to a former Japanese adult film actress and an ongoing police investigation. While the singer denied involvement in any criminal activity, the controversy has triggered widespread media attention, emotional fallout among fans, and public apologies from the rest of the group.

Scandal breaks: Photos, police reports, and a contract termination


The storm began when images of Ju Haknyeon alongside ex-AV actress Kirara Asuka at a lounge in Tokyo began circulating online. What initially seemed like a private gathering on 30 May quickly spiralled into a scandal, with Korean media suggesting deeper implications beyond a casual meetup. Shortly after, on 18 June, his agency ONE HUNDRED confirmed the end of his contract, citing a "loss of trust."


Within 24 hours, matters escalated. A citizen filed a formal complaint at Gangnam Police Station accusing Ju of violating South Korea’s prostitution law, specifically Article 4, which pertains to arranging sexual services. The report hinted at potential ties with others in the entertainment industry, demanding a broader investigation. In response, the agency’s CEO Cha Ga Won issued a statement accepting responsibility, admitting the company lacked oversight, and apologised to fans.

Ju, in turn, posted a handwritten message denying all allegations. He acknowledged attending a private drinking session on 30 May but stated, “I have never engaged in prostitution or any illegal activity.” Despite the denial, the damage to his image was irreversible, leading to his removal from the group and all related activities.


THE BOYZ react: Apologies pour in from remaining members

In the aftermath, THE BOYZ members addressed their fandom, THE B, with heartfelt letters. Eric, Kevin, Juyeon, Sunwoo, Younghoon, Q, and others expressed deep remorse, shared personal struggles, and vowed to rebuild trust. They admitted the scandal had weighed heavily on them, with some describing emotional turmoil and fear of losing their fans.

The letters weren’t about defending Ju but about reassuring their audience that they remain committed. Each member promised to reflect, grow stronger, and uphold the group’s values. The group now continues as a 10-member act.

What Led to Ju\u202fHaknyeon\u2019s Exit From THE\u202fBOYZ Amid Police Complaint? THE BOYZ attend 2022 The Fact Music AwardsGetty Images


Online reactions remain divided, with some fans supporting the group’s decision, while others question the harsh scrutiny idols face, especially over personal relationships. But one thing is clear: THE BOYZ is now in damage control mode, striving to move forward while keeping their fandom close.

More For You

Denim pun turned Sydney Sweeney into Trump’s Republican muse

How Sydney Sweeney’s silent ad campaign became a Republican rally cry

Getty Images

How a denim pun turned Sydney Sweeney into Trump’s Republican muse

Highlights

  • Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad sparked backlash over a “genes/jeans” pun
  • Critics accused it of echoing eugenics and white supremacist rhetoric
  • Public records revealed Sweeney is a registered Republican
  • Donald Trump praised her and attacked Taylor Swift in the same post
  • American Eagle stock soared as the ad became a right-wing rallying point

Let’s be honest: no one expected a jeans ad to spiral into this. Not Sydney Sweeney, not American Eagle, and definitely not the internet and yet, here we are.

It started with a dumb pun. It exploded into a cultural war. Now it’s a headline-grabbing mess involving eugenics, Republicans, and Donald Trump shouting into Truth Social. Somehow, a 27-year-old actress became the poster girl for a movement she hasn’t even acknowledged.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vidya Balan Shahid Kapoor

Vidya Balan reveals filmmakers asked her to lose weight to appear younger than Shahid Kapoor in ‘Kismat Konnection’

Getty Images

Vidya Balan says she was told to lose weight to look 'younger than Shahid Kapoor' in 'Kismat Konnection'

Highlights:

  • Vidya Balan revealed she was asked to shed weight before Kismat Konnection to appear younger than Shahid Kapoor.
  • The actress opened up about the pressures of looking “young enough” to be cast opposite younger male actors.
  • She spoke about battling weight gain and harsh fitness routines that affected her health.
  • Vidya now follows an anti-inflammatory diet and has rejected unrealistic beauty standards.

Vidya Balan has once again highlighted the double standards of age and appearance in Bollywood. In a recent interview, the 46-year-old actor shared that she was once asked to lose weight just to appear younger than Shahid Kapoor for their 2008 film Kismat Konnection. She recalled being pressured to meet industry expectations tied to male co-stars' ages, an issue she believes still persists despite recent progress.

Vidya Balan Shahid Kapoor Vidya Balan opens up about body image pressure in BollywoodGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Raj B Shetty

Raj B Shetty reacts to the ‘Shetty mafia’ label used for him, Rishab Shetty, and Rakshit Shetty

Instagram/rajbshetty

Raj B Shetty says ‘Shetty mafia’ critics should form their own gang and stop chasing credit

Highlights:

  • Sui From So actor-producer Raj B Shetty reacts to the ‘Shetty mafia’ label used for him, Rishab Shetty, and Rakshit Shetty.
  • Says collaboration is their strength, and those who don’t get it should “form their own gang”.
  • Denies any rivalry between the trio and praises the honesty in their bond.
  • Sui From So has earned over £3.9 million (₹42 crore) and continues its strong theatrical run.

Actor-filmmaker Raj B Shetty, currently basking in the success of Sui From So, has addressed the ongoing chatter about the so-called “Shetty mafia”, a term often thrown at him and fellow Kannada cinema stars Rishab Shetty and Rakshit Shetty. In a recent interview, Raj dismissed the label with humour and clarity, underlining the power of creative collaboration over individual glory.

Raj B Shetty Raj B Shetty shuts down 'Shetty mafia' jibes and says critics should build their own cinema gangInstagram/rajbshetty

Keep ReadingShow less
Sean Combs Trump pardon request
Sean Combs\u2019 legal team has contacted Trump for a potential pardon
Getty Images

Sean Combs requests Trump pardon after conviction as past feud clouds chances

Highlights:

  • Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was convicted of two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution.
  • His legal team has contacted Donald Trump’s office to request a presidential pardon.
  • Trump said Combs had been “very hostile” toward him, suggesting a pardon is unlikely.
  • Combs’ sentencing is set for October 3; he remains in custody after being denied bail.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is pursuing a presidential pardon from Donald Trump after being convicted of transporting individuals across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. The 55-year-old music mogul is currently in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits sentencing in October, where he faces a maximum of 20 years behind bars.

The conviction has triggered a wave of legal and political developments, with Combs’ legal team confirming they’ve already approached Trump’s office in hopes of clemency. But with Trump publicly expressing doubts about granting the pardon, Combs' chances appear uncertain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Basil Joseph directorial comeback

Basil Joseph says delay in new film is frustrating: ‘I’ll forget to call myself a filmmaker’

Instagram/ibasiljoseph

Basil Joseph says he may ‘forget to call himself a filmmaker’ if his directorial comeback delays further

Highlights:

  • Minnal Murali director Basil Joseph opens up about his four-year break from filmmaking
  • Reveals in The Hollywood Reporter interview that two projects were shelved after long development
  • Says he stopped acting in October 2024 to focus on ambitious directorial comeback
  • “It’s frustrating. If it takes longer, I’ll forget to introduce myself as a filmmaker,” he says

Basil Joseph, who directed Minnal Murali, one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest genre hits in recent years, has revealed he is growing increasingly frustrated over the delay in returning to the director’s chair. In an emotional new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Joseph said that the four-year gap since his last film has been filled with near-misses and creative roadblocks.

“If it takes any longer, I’ll forget to introduce myself as a filmmaker,” he admitted, reflecting on how his identity as a director has felt distant amid his busy acting career. Though he has delivered multiple successful acting performances since 2021, including the acclaimed Ponman, Basil says he’s now pressing pause on acting to make room for what he calls “an ambitious film” that demands his full creative attention.

Keep ReadingShow less