His second post added details the first left out.
Koreaboo
Following accusations of pedophilia and maintaining an inappropriate relationship with a minor, HYBE idol aoen’s Ruka has issued multiple apologies.
22-year-old Ruka is a member of aoen, a boy group under HYBE’s Japanese subsidiary YX LABELS. The controversy around him began in October after images showing Ruka with a girl believed to be 13 years old went viral. Netizens questioned how close the two appeared, along with how they had spent their time together.
HYBE Idol’s “Inappropriate” Relationship With 13-Year-Old Sparks Concern
Shortly after the allegations erupted, Ruka addressed the situation with a message on Weverse DM telling fans he was sorry for causing worry and hurting people with his “thoughtless actions.” The post did not go into detail about what happened, but Ruka promised to “seriously reflect” and “take responsibility for each and every one of my actions.”
This is Ruka.
Right now, regarding the fact that I have caused everyone worry and sadness on social media, please allow me to speak in my own words.
With my thoughtless actions this time, I hurt everyone who has been supporting me.
I sincerely apologize for doing something that led to misunderstandings. I will seriously reflect on what happened, and from now on I will take responsibility for each and every one of my actions and work hard so that, even little by little, I can earn the trust of everyone who supports me.
— Ruka on Weverse DM
On October 3, Ruka returned to Weverse with a second post, this time explaining the matter in his own words. Ruka stated that the situation began with private interactions with a former student from the dance school where he previously taught, and went on to say that their families have a relationship.
Stressing that there was no “romantic relationship” between him and the teen, Ruka apologized once again, including for the “concern and trouble” his actions brought to the other members of aoen.
This is Ruka.
Regarding the matter that has caused various rumors and concerns on social media, I would like to once again explain it in my own words.
This situation began because I had private interactions with a former student from the dance school where I previously taught, as well as her parents and my own family. Our families had a relationship with each other, and it was not a romantic relationship.
However, even though our families had known each other and associated with each other for a long time, I failed to give sufficient consideration to my position as an artist and to how the fans who support me might feel. As a result, I acted carelessly and caused sadness and distrust. I am truly sorry that my actions hurt the feelings of everyone who supports me, and that I also caused concern and trouble for the other members.
I will seriously reflect on my own immaturity, take responsibility for each and every one of my actions, and work hard so that, even little by little, I can regain your trust.
— Ruka on Weverse
YX LABELS has yet to issue any official statement about the incident.