Written on June 20th, at 6PM
Hi guys! In light of this situation that I've been following since the beginning, I wanted to share some information regarding how everything unfolded and how it is being handled. I'm compiling all of this here, to clear up my mind and hopefully incite a conversation that's actually fair and based on facts rather than biased speculations and carelessness.
Don't hesitate to engage, ask questions, share things that you've found (only with links/proofs), my goal is really just to actually take time to investigate this further and bring attention to topics that have been overlooked, to counterbalance the amount of mindless conjecture that's going on right now.
The first article
On June 18th, an article published by reporter Choi Ji-Ye (최지예) on the platform TenAsia (텐아시아), alleged that a japanese tabloid, Shukan bunshun, confronted The Boyz's company, One Hundred Label, with evidences of member Ju Haknyeon being seen at a bar in Japan, in Roppongi, at a social gathering. In the morning of reading this news, there was no mention of dating nor prostitution.
Shukan bunshun as a source
The alleged source behind this initial report, Shukan bunshun, which is often compared to a japanese version of Dispatch, never came forward itself with any type of allegation or proof.
Choi Ji-ye as a reporter
The author of this article, Choi Ji-Ye, reported in the past on the scandal regarding BTS Yoongi, and on the situation regarding NewJeans, two cases in which she was accused of defamation, spreading false information, and participation in a smear campaign. Her credibility and integrity as a reporter has been called out multiple times.
After the first report, articles after articles came up relaying new information, with yet no additional sources or proofs. A twisted game of telephone then ensued, where people's speculations based on their own biases, led to statements confidently being presented as truths being picked up by hasted news reports, to then became quoted evidence of a reality that never existed to begin with.
I understand that we all have our own beliefs and convictions that guide our reactions and how we interpret the world around us, but at the end of the day all that matters are facts. Here are some subjects that need to be made clear, to treat this situation with the fairness it deserves:
1. Regarding Roppongi
While the bar they were allegedly seen at is located in Roppongi, a location that's know for it's big night life, it is not considered a red light district. It's popular among tourist because it is know for having a lot of foreigners, and having endless things to do, at any time of the day.
2. Regarding Kirara Asuka
Regarding the women involved, she is a former AV actress by the name of Kirara Asuka. She started her career in 2007, took a break in 2018, to retire in 2020. She has a music career, participated in various variety shows, and is as of now a influencer. Regardless of personal stances on this type of industry, by law this does not make her a prostitute and there is NO proof going in that sense. She also denies those claims.
3. Regarding Haknyeon
Another unfortunate way in which the public's personal convictions helped re-enforce the claims made against him, was by making assumptions about him as an idol, and as man. This is happening at the same as news about Taeil sentencing are coming out, and people somehow think it is appropriate to shamelessly draw comparisons between the two, to try and prove a point. Other previous idols scandals are also brought up in the same vein of thought, but despite any past experience you might have had as a fan, this should not be a reason to assume the worst of an idol. It also absolutely inappropriate to make assumptions about his sexual life or to presume that being a man makes him more inclined to soliciting sex services.
I think we also need to bring up Haknyeon position within the group, as he's unfortunately never been among the most popular members. His fandom is more modest, and despite his big appearance on PD101, he's least well known from the public, he's never been a MC on shows or radio host like other members. It was a lot easier for the public opinion to sour regarding him than it would have regarding other members.