The reporter who published alleged prostitution claims about former The Boyz member Joo Haknyeon has been indicted on defamation charges.
On the 2nd, according to legal sources, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office Criminal Division 1 (Chief Prosecutor Hwang Soo-yeon) indicted reporter A without detention on May 12 for defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.
Prosecutors reportedly concluded that A defamed Joo by posting an online article in June last year alleging prostitution. The piece claimed Joo met a woman who is a former Japanese adult film actress at a bar in Tokyo and engaged in prostitution.
As the controversy spread, his then-agency One Hundred suspended Joo’s team activities and decided on his withdrawal from The Boyz along with terminating his exclusive contract. At the time, the agency stated, “Given the personal-life issue, we determined it would be difficult to maintain trust in him as an artist.”
Joo, however, strongly denied the allegations. In a handwritten statement, he said, “While it’s true I was present at a drinking gathering with acquaintances, I did not engage in any illegal acts, including prostitution.” He added, “I will hold the reporter and outlet that labeled me a sex offender with baseless claims fully accountable,” vowing legal action.
Joo’s side subsequently filed a criminal complaint against the reporter for defamation. Police received the complaint last June and investigated, then transferred the case to prosecutors this March. After reviewing witness statements and secured audio recordings, prosecutors reportedly determined that defamation by alleging false facts was established and sent A to trial.
With the indictment, the battle over the truth behind Joo Haknyeon’s private-life allegations will now play out in court. A fierce legal fight is expected over whether the report was factual and whether defamation applies.