Asuka Kirara defends Ju Haknyeon after prostitution case dismissal

Express Tribune

5 days ago

Asuka Kirara, a former Japanese adult film actress, has reiterated her defense of former The Boyz member Ju Haknyeon, who was recently cleared of prostitution allegations. During a livestream on Tuesday, she addressed growing speculation about her alleged involvement in a private gathering that contributed to Ju's sudden exit from the K-pop group.
Kirara explained she was simply attending a male friend's birthday party and had no prior knowledge Ju would be there. 'There were designers and other people. No one invited me because of him,' she said, dismissing rumors that she was used to elevate someone's public image.
Although Ju had mentioned being a fan, Kirara denied any personal involvement, stating they had no physical or romantic connection. 'That was my first time meeting him. There was no three-day relationship,' she said, criticizing Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun for spreading false claims. 'So much misinformation is being circulated.'
She questioned the motives behind Ju's expulsion from the group, saying, 'I don't understand how this led to his expulsion. It seems like someone wanted him gone or was hiding something else.' She added that despite Ju being 'handsome,' she 'never touched him, never hugged him,' and emphasized there was no physical relationship.
Earlier, she posted on social media, 'I have never privately received money for sex, not once in my life — and that includes this time.'
On Wednesday, police in Seoul's Gangnam District officially dismissed the prostitution charge against Ju, citing insufficient grounds for investigation. The case began June 18 when Shukan Bunshun reported Ju met Kirara at a Tokyo bar. Ju maintains his innocence and has announced plans to take legal action against the journalist, media outlet, and the individual who filed the complaint, citing defamation and false reporting.