Nakai Masahiro (52), former leader of the Japanese idol group "SMAP," who has been embroiled in allegations of receiving compensation for sexual services from Fuji TV, ultimately announced his retirement from the entertainment industry on the 23rd.
On this day, Nakai posted on his fan club website, saying, "I am retiring from entertainment activities today," and added, "I sincerely apologize for the trouble I have caused."
Previously, the weekly magazine "Shukan Bunshun" reported, citing statements from Fuji TV announcers, that an executive at the company was involved in the sexual compensation involving Nakai, who was the leader of SMAP. It was also revealed that a victim received 90 million yen (about 830 million won) in settlement money from Nakai.
However, as this scandal has emerged, major corporations in Japan are rapidly suspending advertisements related to Fuji TV, leading to widespread controversy. Nakai is known in South Korea as the former leader of the idol group "SMAP." Despite the group disbanding in 2016, he has continued to be active as a television program host, reportedly holding considerable influence in the entertainment industry.
Nakai acknowledged on the 9th of this month through the official website of his personal office that "there were indeed troubles," while denying parts of the reported content.