The Boyz Navigate Scandal and Agency Transition Amid K-Pop Controversy

South Korean boy group The Boyz faces a turbulent period as they transition agencies and manage fallout from a K-pop party scandal. The group, originally under IST Entertainment, completed their contract on November 15, 2024, and officially joined ONE HUNDRED LABEL in mid-December. The move marked the beginning of a new era—but not without upheaval.

On June 18, 2025, member Ju Haknyeon announced his departure, reducing the group to ten members: Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric. This change comes as The Boyz, known for hits such as “The First” since their 2017 debut, seek to redefine their identity.

The controversy intensified when leaked chat screenshots surfaced between June 10 and 11, 2025, allegedly showing members Hyunjae, Juyeon, Eric, and Sunwoo engaging in drinking and partying with female influencers. The scandal also implicated other prominent groups, including ASTRO, ENHYPEN, ATEEZ, and MONSTA X. ONE HUNDRED LABEL swiftly issued a statement on June 11, firmly denying the accusations and threatening legal action against the spread of false information.

Fan reactions have been sharply divided. While some supporters rally behind the group, others express disappointment at the allegations. The Boyz’s new social media accounts, launched under the handle “tbz,” have further fueled debate. Fans have criticized the choice as confusing and difficult to locate, deviating from the group’s established full name.

Despite these challenges, The Boyz are scheduled to perform at TRENDWAVE on May 3, 2025, as they navigate this pivotal transition phase. The group’s future remains in focus as they work to rebuild trust and adapt to their new label’s vision.