Ju Haknyeon Fires Back At Dispatch’s Report, Questions Why Everything Feels Too Orchestrated, And His Plans To Fight Back
Ju Haknyeon has issued a new statement in response to the recent Dispatch and Shukan Bunshun reports.
On June 21, both media outlets released their report about Ju Haknyeon meeting up with the former adult video actress Asuka Kirara. The Japanese media outlet released photos of both of them hugging, linking arms and being comfortable around each other.
Dispatch shared more allegations and details, and also included some testimonies from his former agency One Hundred. They explained the incident took place on May 30, and the outing included a total of 6 people, including Ju Haknyeon and Asuka Kirara. Dispatch alleges that in the evening portion of the party, Ju Haknyeon was with 2 designer acquaintances around 1 am, then, they headed towards a karaoke bar and spent 2 hours there, followed by a party at a private lounge around 4 am where Asuka Kirara joined them with another woman. The party is reported to have ended around 6 am and Ju Haknyeon and Asuka Kirara took a taxi to Asuka Kirara’s home.
Dispatch alleges he only returned to the dorm later in the afternoon, he was there on work schedule, not a personal schedule.
Due to his actions, Dispatch says One Hundred had enough grounds to terminate his contract based on those things alone. When questioned about it, he reportedly told One Hundred. “I did not pay for anything. The hyungs paid. I don’t want any of this to damage the other members.”
Dispatch additionally quoted one agency rep who said Ju Haknyeon bragged about sleeping with her, but when the company had decided to kick him out of the group, his tone changed, and he claimed he didn’t sleep with her and only lied so he could look cool.
Following both reports, on June 22, Ju Haknyeon returned to Instagram with a 2nd statement addressing both reports.
About the reports, he said, “ Before the Shukan Bunshun article reached my agency, I was informed that a photo had been taken. I immediately explained the situation truthfully to the company and asked for their help. I acknowledged my mistakes and wanted to make a choice that would minimize the damage to the other members. I spent many sleepless nights filled with guilt towards the fans who have supported me and my teammates who have walked this journey with me. It was incredibly painful. As a result, I voluntarily suspended my activities and discussed next steps with the company.
However, the agency suddenly demanded that I sign an agreement terminating my exclusive contract and agreeing to pay over 2 billion won (approximately $1.4 million). They even asked for an enormous penalty fee that cannot be claimed under the contract. They said there was no room for negotiation.”
He then talks about how he refused to sign the agreement, “I couldn’t accept such an unreasonable demand. On June 17, when I refused to sign the agreement, the next day the company suddenly released an official statement announcing my departure. This was before the Shukan Bunshun article came out. Shortly after, news reports started surfacing about me meeting an AV actress, and then Ten Asia published an exclusive claiming I was involved in prostitution. Based on this report, other media outlets, bloggers, and YouTubers spread the claim, and I was suddenly labeled a disgraceful criminal overnight.”
He then addresses the report that one netizen had filed a complaint with the police for prostitution allegations, he said, “ The very next day, someone filed a criminal complaint against me with law enforcement for prostitution based on that false article. The whole sequence of events seemed suspiciously premeditated. I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was fabricating grounds for terminating my contract. I became terrified that if I did nothing, I would forever be branded as a sex offender. All of this happened within just two days.”
Ju Haknyeon then talks about how he couldn’t stay silent and decided to fight back legally against the reporters: So I couldn’t stay silent. I released a statement and filed a legal complaint against the journalist who published the false report. I also plan to pursue a civil lawsuit against that journalist and media outlet. Furthermore, I will be filing a criminal complaint for false accusation against the individual who reported me right after the fake article was published.
He then goes over the contract terms and how vague the terms were, “ There were also unfair aspects regarding the company’s demand for my departure. The “acts damaging to dignity” mentioned in the contract are too vague and open to arbitrary interpretation. In fact, the contract specifies this clause as including “acts damaging to dignity (drunk driving, drug use, gambling, prostitution, assault, sexual assault, fraud, etc.),” clearly outlining what qualifies. I have not committed any of the acts listed. Also, the agency unilaterally expelled me without following the termination procedures outlined in Article 15, Clause 1 of the contract.
I am not claiming that my behavior on May 30 was beyond reproach. I sincerely apologize to the fans who trusted and supported me as an idol, for acting thoughtlessly. I deeply reflect on my actions and will carry this lesson in my heart for the rest of my life.”
Ju Haknyeon discussed his feelings about the framing of his departure, “However, for reasons I still don’t understand, I suddenly became a sex offender in the public eye — a form of character assassination. For the first time in my life, I felt like I wanted to die. It felt like everyone was staring at me and pointing fingers wherever I went. I couldn’t stop crying when I thought about the fans who supported me, my mother, and my family. If I gave up on life without revealing the truth, I would be remembered forever as a sex offender. More importantly, if I do nothing out of fear, this unfair misunderstanding won’t end with me alone. The fans and family who stood by me would have to live under the stigma of being “a sex offender’s family” or “someone who supported a sex offender.”
Ju Haknyeon ended his statement promising to hold the journalists who spread those false rumors accountable and to fight the powerful company too, “I will hold accountable the journalists and media who falsely reported me as a sex offender without evidence, and I intend to uncover who is behind them. As an individual, it’s daunting and frightening to fight a powerful company, but I will endure — for those who continue to care for and support me.”
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