韓國男團THE BOYZ前成員周鶴年近日被捲入性交易風波，引發演藝圈與粉絲間廣泛關注與譁然。據中國多家娛樂網引述韓媒報導，多位演藝界相關人士透露，周鶴年於2024年5月下旬，在日本東京某處私人酒館，與日本前AV女優明日花綺羅會面，並發生性關係，涉嫌付費性交易。

事件曝光初期，周鶴年對相關指控表示否認。然而，隨著所屬經紀公司掌握具體證據，他最終承認確有其事。儘管公司未公開詳情，僅以「私生活問題」為由宣布其退出團體THE BOYZ，並與其解除專屬合約，但實際情況隨後被媒體陸續揭露，形象受損嚴重。

根據《韓國性交易處罰法》第21條，參與性交易的行為者可被處以一年以下有期徒刑或三百萬韓元（約新台幣7萬元）以下罰金。若案件進入司法程序，周鶴年恐將面臨法律制裁。

然而事態出現反轉。6月18日晚間，周鶴年親自透過社群媒體發佈手寫道歉信，重申否認曾進行性交易。他表示，確實與明日花綺羅見面，但僅止於飲酒交談，並無進一步身體接觸或金錢交易。他強調自己深感後悔與自責，為讓粉絲與大眾失望而深表歉意，目前正進行深刻反省。

此次風波也引起韓國社會對藝人「私德」與「公眾形象」間界線的討論。有觀點認為，周鶴年作為偶像，理應承擔更高的道德標準，而娛樂公司與媒體是否過度介入藝人私生活，也引發倫理爭議。另一方面，日本前AV女優明日花綺羅近年轉型成功，經常與亞洲多國藝人互動，此事件亦引起網友對跨國藝人私交的各種揣測與討論。

THE BOYZ方面，目前未再就此事件發表進一步聲明，而粉絲社群則陷入分裂，部分粉絲表示理解與支持，另一些則感到背叛與失望，紛紛退團退坑。這起事件無疑重創THE BOYZ原本穩定的團體形象與人氣發展。

總體而言，周鶴年風波反映的不僅是個人私德問題，更暴露出娛樂產業對「偶像人設」的高風險操作，讓外界再次省思，公眾人物在光鮮亮麗背後，究竟應承擔怎樣的私生活責任。未來，這起事件將如何發展，是否會對其他偶像藝人產生骨牌效應，仍有待觀察。

Former member of South Korean boy group THE BOYZ, Zhou He Nian, has recently become embroiled in a prostitution scandal, sparking widespread concern and uproar within the entertainment industry and among fans. According to reports from multiple Chinese entertainment outlets citing South Korean media, several insiders in the entertainment field revealed that in late May 2024, Zhou allegedly met with former Japanese AV actress Kirara Asuka at a private bar in Tokyo, Japan. The two were said to have engaged in sexual activity, with Zhou suspected of having paid for the encounter.

At the onset of the scandal, Zhou He Nian denied the allegations. However, as his agency reportedly obtained concrete evidence, he ultimately admitted to the incident. While the company did not disclose the specifics, it announced his departure from THE BOYZ and terminated his exclusive contract, citing “personal life issues.” Subsequent media reports gradually revealed the full extent of the situation, severely damaging Zhou’s public image.

According to Article 21 of South Korea’s Prostitution Punishment Act, individuals involved in sex-for-pay activities may face up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to 3 million Korean won (approximately NT$70,000). If legal proceedings are initiated, Zhou could be subject to judicial punishment.

However, the situation took a turn. On the evening of June 18, Zhou issued a handwritten apology letter on social media, reiterating his denial of having engaged in paid sex. He admitted to meeting Kirara Asuka but insisted it was merely for drinks and conversation, with no physical contact or financial exchange involved. He expressed deep regret and self-blame, apologizing for disappointing fans and the public, and stated he is currently undergoing deep self-reflection.

The controversy has also reignited debate in South Korea over the boundaries between celebrities’ private morality and their public image. Some argue that as an idol, Zhou should be held to higher moral standards. Meanwhile, the extent to which entertainment companies and media should intervene in artists’ private lives has also sparked ethical concerns. On another note, Kirara Asuka, who has successfully transitioned from her AV career, frequently interacts with celebrities across Asia. This incident has fueled speculation and discussion among netizens about cross-border private relationships between entertainers.

As of now, THE BOYZ has not issued any further statements regarding the incident. The fan community remains divided—some fans express understanding and support, while others feel betrayed and disillusioned, with many choosing to leave the fandom. The scandal has undeniably dealt a serious blow to THE BOYZ’s previously stable image and growing popularity.

Overall, the Zhou He Nian incident reflects not only issues of personal conduct but also exposes the high-risk nature of the idol persona in the entertainment industry. It prompts a broader reflection on the responsibilities public figures must bear in their private lives behind the polished facade. How this case will develop and whether it might trigger a domino effect among other idol celebrities remains to be seen.