Court Orders Reporter to Pay Former THE BOYZ Member Ju Haknyeon ₩200 Million Over False Allegations

A South Korean court has ordered a reporter to pay former THE BOYZ member Ju Haknyeon ₩200 million in damages after finding that allegations published about his private life were false.

The Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 25 issued the first-instance ruling on October 23, according to Korean reporting published October 28. The decision partially upheld Ju’s ₩1 billion damages claim.

Court Finds Reports Were False

The dispute stems from reports published in June 2025 alleging that Ju had paid for sexual services involving a Japanese entertainer.

The reporting also claimed that Ju subsequently admitted to the allegation after initially denying it.

The court found both claims to be false.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the court determined that the available evidence did not support the allegations and that the reporter had failed to conduct sufficient verification before publishing information capable of seriously damaging Ju’s reputation.

The judges also rejected the argument that the reporter had reasonably established the claims’ accuracy through communications concerning the article before publication.

Career Consequences and Legal Proceedings

The original controversy had major consequences for Ju’s entertainment career.

In June 2025, ONE HUNDRED announced his departure from THE BOYZ and the termination of his exclusive contract.

Ju subsequently pursued legal action against the reporter, seeking ₩1 billion in compensation for the harm caused by the allegations.

The court awarded ₩200 million, recognizing the reputational damage associated with the false reporting.

Separate criminal defamation proceedings involving the reporter remain ongoing.

The October 23 decision is a first-instance civil judgment. It does not establish that the damages have been paid, that the reporter has been criminally convicted, or that Ju’s former contract or group membership has been restored.

The ruling represents a significant development in a controversy that affected Ju’s career, while highlighting the consequences of publishing serious allegations without adequate verification.