SOUTH Korean singer Ju Haknyeon departed the K-pop boy group THE BOYZ following issues concerning his private life.

ONE HUNDRED, THE BOYZ’s agency, announced on Wednesday, June 18, the departure and the termination of the 26-year-old idol’s exclusive contract with the company, after “sufficient discussions” with other THE BOYZ members.

“We have come to recognize the seriousness of this issue and have clearly determined that it is no longer possible for us to maintain the trust in him as an artist,” the label said, as quoted as saying by South Korean entertainment website Soompi.

The agency asked the public for deep understanding, saying the decision was “an unavoidable measure to protect the members and the team.”

“ONE HUNDRED will do our utmost to support the remaining members of THE BOYZ so that they can continue their activities in a stable and healthy environment,” it said.

“Once again, we sincerely apologize for causing concern to the fans, and we will do our best to repay your support with better news and activities in the future,” it added.

The label did not specifically mention the issue that led to Ju’s exit from THE BOYZ, but reports stated that the K-pop idol allegedly met and solicited prostitution services from a former Japanese adult video actress.

But Ju denied the allegation and apologized to fans who were shocked by the news through a handwritten statement posted on his Instagram story.

He clarified that while it is true that he attended “a private gathering with alcohol together with an acquaintance” on May 30, he did not engage in “any illegal activity, such as the prostitution that is being mentioned in news reports and rumors.”

“I am deeply reflecting on my actions, and I would like to sincerely apologize to everyone who was shocked by this,” Ju said, as translated by Soompi.

Unfollowed

Meanwhile, several eagle-eyed netizens noticed that some of THE BOYZ members unfollowed Ju on Instagram.

Even THE BOYZ’s official Instagram account is no longer following the singer.

Ju, on the other hand, continues to follow other members Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric on the social media platform.

Ju debuted as a member of THE BOYZ in December 2017. The group popularized the songs “The Stealer,” “MAVERICK,” “THRILL RIDE,” and “D.D.D,” to name a few.

Before this, he joined the second season of the boy group survival reality show “Produce 101.” While he reached the final episode, Ju failed to secure a slot in the final 11, who debuted as Wanna One.

Ju last visited the Philippines with THE BOYZ in August 2024 for their “Zeneration II” concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.