According to reports on June 2, the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office recently indicted entertainment journalist A without detention for violating South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act through defamation.
The reporter is accused of publishing an article in June 2025 alleging that Joo Haknyeon met former Japanese adult video actress Asuka Kirara at a bar in Tokyo and engaged in prostitution.
Following the publication of the report, Joo Haknyeon’s side strongly denied the allegations and filed a criminal complaint with police, arguing that the claims were entirely false. Authorities launched an investigation and forwarded the case to prosecutors earlier this year.
During the investigation, the reporter reportedly stated that he did not know the allegations were false. However, prosecutors reviewed statements from officials at ONE HUNDRED, materials submitted by Joo Haknyeon’s side, and recordings of conversations between involved parties before concluding that the report contained false information that damaged the artist’s reputation.
Investigators found that the article relied on claims from unnamed entertainment industry sources but lacked objective evidence supporting the prostitution allegation. The reporter was also reportedly unable to provide concrete proof beyond circulating rumors during the police investigation.
Prosecutors additionally examined a claim in the article stating that Joo Haknyeon had allegedly admitted to prostitution after reviewing evidence presented by his agency. Testimony from company officials reportedly indicated that no such admission had taken place.
The indictment comes after police had already decided not to pursue prostitution-related allegations against Joo Haknyeon. The singer had been reported to authorities by a third party under South Korea’s anti-prostitution laws, but investigators ultimately concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the accusation and closed the case without forwarding it for prosecution. Since then, Joo Haknyeon has gradually resumed communication with fans. In April, he shared that he attended the final concert of THE BOYZ, drawing attention from supporters who continue to follow his activities.
The latest legal development has sparked renewed discussion about the responsibility of entertainment media when reporting on unverified allegations involving public figures. With prosecutors formally indicting the reporter, the case is expected to become a closely watched example of how South Korean authorities handle false-reporting and defamation disputes within the entertainment industry.
As the court proceedings move forward, attention will remain on whether the prosecution can prove that the controversial allegations against Joo Haknyeon were knowingly published without sufficient evidence.
Sources: Naver
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