Ju Hak-nyeon from The Boyz has left the K-pop boy group.

South Korean publication News1 said in a report published yesterday (June 18) they had obtained a letter of inquiry sent from Japanese tabloid paper Shukan Bunshun to The Boyz's management agency One Hundred about him drinking with Japanese adult video (AV) actress-turned-influencer Asuka Kirara.

He was reportedly seen hugging her at a Tokyo bar last month.

While the 26-year-old admitted to meeting her, he firmly denied engaging in prostitution.

"I am deeply reflecting on my actions and once again sincerely apologise to those who were disappointed or hurt because of me," he said in a handwritten note yesterday (June 18).

Asuka began her AV career in 2007 and retired in 2020, also launching a music career in those years.

One Hundred's statement released yesterday, as translated by Soompi, reads: "As soon as we were informed of issues involving Hak-nyeon's private life, our company immediately suspended his activities and took time to thoroughly verify the facts.

"As a result, we have come to recognise 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. After sufficient discussions with the members of The Boyz, we have made the final decision for Hak-nyeon to depart the team and to terminate his exclusive contract."

On June 16, One Hundred had announced that he would be taking a hiatus for "personal reasons".

Hak-nyeon was a contestant on Produce 101 season two before he debuted with The Boyz in 2017.

He isn't the first one to leave the group. In 2019, Hwall, whose real name is Hur Hyun-jun, departed due to health issues and is currently pursuing solo activities.

There are 10 remaining members: Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Sunwoo and Eric.

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syarifahsn@asiaone.com