Amid allegations of prostitution, Joo Hak-nyeon, formerly of the idol group The Boyz, has left the team, resulting in intense criticism and interest towards Asuka Kirara, a former Japanese AV actress who was mentioned alongside him.
Allegations have emerged that Joo Hak-nyeon and Asuka Kirara enjoyed a private meeting at a bar in Tokyo, according to a recent report by Shūkan Bunshun. Some media reported that this meeting led to prostitution allegations rather than just a social gathering, and Joo Hak-nyeon's side has issued a handwritten apology alongside a denial in an effort to quell public sentiment.
In contrast, Asuka Kirara, one of the parties involved in the controversy, has not made a single statement to date. Instead, on the 18th, she posted a video of herself smiling and making relaxed gestures while wearing a short skirt at a photoshoot on social media, further fueling public anger.
What is even more shocking is the stark contrast between Asuka Kirara's past and present. She debuted in the Japanese AV industry in 2007 and gained fame by appearing in numerous works. She announced her retirement in 2020 and transitioned her identity to a 'model' and 'beauty influencer,' continuing activities comparable to general entertainers.
In fact, she attended the 11th Korea Arts and Cultural Awards in 2023 and even received a special award in the overseas model category. As news of Asuka Kirara standing on that award stage emerged later, many domestic internet users criticized the fact that 'an AV actress received an official art award in Korea,' calling it 'double standards' and a 'representative example of identity laundering.'
Some point out that he is a person who has erased his past as an AV actor in Japan and transformed into a model and celebrity in Korea, receiving awards, and that reflection on the dual standards of acceptance within the entertainment industry is necessary. Domestic entertainers often face activity suspensions even over minor personal controversies, while past issues of overseas figures tend to be overlooked as if they have a 'get out of jail free card.'
In the midst of this, it has been revealed that Asuka Kirara is currently in a public relationship with a Japanese intellectually disabled YouTuber named 'Hirok,' which adds weight to the controversy. Some internet users express opinions that 'this cannot simply be dismissed as a private affair' and that 'it is inappropriate for someone in a public relationship to be at a private drinking party with another man.'
In fact, Asuka Kirara's social media has been flooded with comments like 'Reveal your position,' 'Is there no official apology?' and 'You've received awards after identity laundering, and now you're closing your mouth?'
On the other hand, some fans have voiced support, stating that 'the past of being an AV actress was her choice, and after retirement, it is a separate realm,' and 'the media is deliberately framing this,' but there is a growing atmosphere of losing persuasiveness amid the increasingly harsh criticism.
Meanwhile, The Boyz's agency, 1theK (1헌드레드), stated on the 18th, 'We have taken the seriousness of this matter heavily, and we have ultimately decided to terminate Joo Hak-nyeon's team membership and exclusive contract as we believe it is difficult to maintain trust as an artist.' Additionally, CEO Cha Ga-won also noted, 'We will refine the internal system regarding the artist's private life and ethical awareness,' issuing an official apology.
This incident raises fundamental questions that go beyond mere personal controversies, touching on the ethics of the entertainment industry, standards of public image, and attitudes towards the consumption of popular culture that transcends borders.
[Photo] SNS
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