K-pop sensation The Boyz is set to ignite the stage once again with their upcoming world tour, THE BLAZE, beginning August 8 at Seoul’s KSPO Dome. Spanning multiple major cities including Nagoya, Yokohama, Kobe, Tokyo, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, and Bangkok, this marks the group’s fourth world tour and their first major international outing since Zeneration II in 2024.
However, fans will notice a significant change this time — The Boyz will be performing as a nine-member act instead of their usual eleven. The absence of Sangyeon and Ju Haknyeon has been officially confirmed, with each stepping away for separate and serious reasons.
Sangyeon Begins Military Enlistment
Group leader Sangyeon, who began his mandatory military service in March 2025, will be unable to join the tour. His enlistment was announced by the group’s agency, One Hundred, earlier this year. While fans expressed support for his patriotic duty, his absence will undoubtedly be felt during the live performances.
Ju Haknyeon Steps Away Amid Scandal
More controversial is the departure of Ju Haknyeon, who recently became the center of a public scandal involving Japanese adult film actress Asuka Kirara. Following the surfacing of alleged meetups and a complaint filed at Seoul’s Gangnam Police Station, Haknyeon took a hiatus citing personal reasons. Though he has denied any involvement in illegal activities and filed lawsuits against a journalist for defamation, his agency has stood firm, asserting plans to pursue legal action of their own against the idol for spreading false information.
Amid the legal and personal turmoil, One Hundred has confirmed that Haknyeon is no longer participating in group activities, and fans have been left processing the abrupt developments.
Despite the controversy and lineup shift, anticipation for THE BLAZE remains high. The remaining nine members are expected to deliver powerful performances and reconnect with global fans after nearly a year off the world stage.
This tour symbolizes both a new chapter and a test of resilience for The Boyz — proving once again that the world of K-pop continues to evolve with both triumphs and trials.
