THE BOYZ Faces Their Biggest Crisis: Can the Group Overcome the Storm After Ju Haknyeon's Exit?

THE BOYZ’s Turbulent June: A Timeline of Scandals

Did you know that June 2025 has been the most chaotic month in THE BOYZ’s history? It all started when Ju Haknyeon, a core member since their 2017 debut, was suddenly put on hiatus for 'personal reasons.' Days later, shocking photos of him at a Tokyo lounge with former Japanese AV actress Asuka Kirara exploded across Korean and Japanese social media. What first seemed like a private meetup quickly spiraled into rumors of illegal activity, with some media outlets even suggesting prostitution. The situation escalated further when a formal complaint was filed at Gangnam Police Station, prompting a full-scale investigation. The agency, ONE HUNDRED, responded by terminating Ju Haknyeon’s contract and removing him from the group, citing a breach of trust. This swift and public fallout left fans reeling, with many expressing confusion and exhaustion as the group’s image took a massive hit.

Ju Haknyeon’s Side of the Story and the Agency’s Response

Ju Haknyeon didn’t stay silent. On June 19, he posted a handwritten letter on social media, admitting to attending the private gathering but firmly denying all allegations of illegal behavior. He apologized to fans for causing distress but insisted he did nothing criminal. Despite his statement, the agency stood by their decision to expel him, with CEO Cha Ga Won issuing a public apology and promising to strengthen internal management and ethical training. The agency’s actions and the rapid escalation of the controversy have sparked debates about how K-pop companies handle scandals and protect their artists, especially in the age of viral social media and relentless public scrutiny.

Sunwoo’s Controversies Add Fuel to the Fire

As if the group needed more drama, Sunwoo, another prominent member, found himself in hot water just weeks earlier. A video surfaced showing him allegedly being rude to a security guard who picked up his AirPods. While Sunwoo explained that the clip was misleading and that he had thanked the guard off-camera, the backlash only intensified. The agency issued a formal apology, accepted responsibility for poor management, and threatened legal action against malicious commenters. However, Sunwoo’s subsequent social media posts, where he vented frustration at the criticism, only deepened public skepticism. This wasn’t an isolated incident—Sunwoo was also accused of partying with underage influencers and making dismissive comments about dating rumors involving other members, further straining the group’s reputation.

The Fandom’s Emotional Rollercoaster: Apologies and Disappointment

THE BOYZ’s fandom, known as THE B, has been on an emotional rollercoaster. In response to the scandals, all remaining members (except for Sangyeon, currently serving in the military) posted heartfelt apologies on fan platforms. They admitted to failing their fans and promised to reflect on their actions, but many fans remain unconvinced. Some expressed deep disappointment and fatigue, feeling that too many controversies had piled up in too short a time. Others, however, voiced their continued support, hoping the group could recover if they showed genuine remorse and maturity. The split in fan sentiment highlights just how crucial trust and communication are in K-pop fandom culture, where idols are expected to maintain high standards both on and off stage.

Agency Turmoil and the Shadow of Management Issues

Behind the scenes, agency turmoil has only added to the chaos. THE BOYZ’s recent move from IST Entertainment to ONE HUNDRED was already controversial, marred by a public dispute over the group’s trademark rights. The transition was supposed to mark a new era, but instead, it exposed cracks in management. The agency’s co-founder and producer, MC Mong, stepped down abruptly, fueling speculation about deeper issues within the company. Fans and industry watchers have criticized ONE HUNDRED for failing to protect its artists and for mishandling both the scandals and the group’s public image. The CEO’s promise to overhaul internal systems and provide ethics training is seen by some as too little, too late.

K-pop Fandom Culture: Why Scandals Hit So Hard

For international fans, it’s important to understand why these controversies shake K-pop groups to their core. K-pop fandom culture is built on intense loyalty, emotional investment, and a sense of collective identity. Fans participate in streaming campaigns, bulk album buying, and elaborate fan projects to support their idols. In return, they expect transparency, gratitude, and exemplary behavior. When scandals break, especially involving sensitive topics like illegal activity or disrespect, the sense of betrayal is profound. This is why apologies, both from idols and agencies, are so public and emotional—and why recovery can be so difficult. The recent events with THE BOYZ have reignited debates about idol privacy, company accountability, and the pressures of maintaining a flawless image in the global spotlight.

The Road Ahead: Can THE BOYZ Rebuild?

So, what’s next for THE BOYZ? With Ju Haknyeon gone and multiple members under scrutiny, the group faces an uphill battle to restore their reputation. The K-pop industry is more competitive than ever, and scandals can quickly derail even the most popular acts. Some fans believe that with genuine reflection, better management, and transparent communication, THE BOYZ can bounce back. Others worry that the damage to their image and trust may be too great. As the police investigation into Ju Haknyeon’s alleged misconduct continues, and as the agency scrambles to regain control, all eyes are on how the group navigates this crisis. One thing’s for sure: in K-pop, resilience and reinvention are just as important as talent.

Final Thoughts: Lessons from THE BOYZ’s Crisis

Everyone, have you ever seen a K-pop group face such a whirlwind of issues in such a short time? THE BOYZ’s current crisis is a reminder of the high stakes and pressures in the idol world. For fans, it’s a test of loyalty and critical thinking. For the group and their agency, it’s a wake-up call about the importance of ethical leadership, open communication, and genuine accountability. Whether THE BOYZ can rise again will depend not just on their music, but on their ability to rebuild trust with fans and the public. The coming months will be crucial—not just for THE BOYZ, but for the entire K-pop industry watching closely.