Who is Kirara Asuka, the adult video star behind ousting of THE BOYZ’s Ju Haknyeon?
Japanese model and former adult video (AV) actress Kirara Asuka has found herself in the spotlight, following a scandal that led to K-pop idol Ju Haknyeon's removal from boy band THE BOYZ. The controversy stems from an alleged late-night meeting between the two in Tokyo, which has since triggered a flurry of backlash and cost Haknyeon his place in the group.
Who is Kirara Asuka?
Born on 2 October 1988 in Tokyo, Kirara Asuka began her career in Japan’s adult film industry in 2007. After over a decade of success, she stepped away from adult films in 2020 to reinvent herself as a model and influencer. Beyond the AV scene, she made appearances in mainstream media, including the ‘Ultraman Ginga’ series and its theatre specials in 2013 and 2014.
Despite leaving the AV world behind, Asuka’s name has continued to make waves, especially when linked to high-profile celebrity scandals.
The Tokyo meeting that sparked a storm
According to a report from News1 Korea dated June 18, Ju Haknyeon allegedly met Asuka at a private lounge in Roppongi, Tokyo, in late May. The article detailed how the idol arrived at the bar on May 29 with acquaintances.
Photos obtained by Japanese outlet Shukan Bunshun showed the two in close proximity, engaging in skinship, including hugging and resting against each other. While no confirmation has been made regarding a romantic relationship, the images quickly sparked online speculation and criticism.
Neither Asuka nor Haknyeon has commented directly on the nature of their relationship. However, the damage was already done. On June 18, Ju Haknyeon's agency, ONE HUNDRED, officially removed him from THE BOYZ, citing a "breach of trust" and "severity of the issue" as reasons for terminating his contract.
Asuka’s personal life in focus
Interestingly, Asuka is reportedly already in a relationship. Japanese outlet L Magazine revealed that she has been dating YouTuber Hirokawa Ryu, known online as Hirok, who is 12 years her junior and lives with an intellectual disability. The pair made headlines when they appeared together on the runway at the Kansai Collection in Osaka’s Kyocera Dome last year.
The renewed attention to Asuka’s private life also brought up a past scandal involving another idol. Nearly a decade ago, she was rumoured to be dating Hey! Say! JUMP member Inoo Kei after they were spotted together at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The alleged romantic trip, reported by Shukan Josei, sparked tabloid buzz. However, both parties denied the relationship at the time, saying the meeting was coincidental.
A scandal overshadowing others
The fallout from Asuka’s encounter with Haknyeon comes at a time when the K-pop world is already facing multiple scandals. On the same day Haknyeon’s exit was announced, former NCT member Taeil appeared in court and admitted to charges of special quasi-rape. Despite the gravity of Taeil’s case, public attention has remained fixed on the Haknyeon-Asuka incident, largely due to the idol’s association with a former AV actress.
Asuka's involvement in the controversy has sparked comparisons to her past and reignited debates around public expectations for K-pop idols, especially regarding personal relationships and behaviour.