HYBE Idol’s Response To Pedophilia Accusations Massively Backfires

Aoen’s Ruka is facing continued backlash after his multiple statements addressing accusations about his relationship with a 13-year-old girl failed to calm fans and netizens.

The controversy first began after photos and posts allegedly connecting the 23-year-old idol to the girl — who is believed to be 10 years old — began circulating online.

HYBE Idol’s “Inappropriate” Relationship With 13-Year-Old Sparks Concern

Ruka initially addressed the controversy in a statement shared through Weverse, apologizing for his actions and saying he had caused “misunderstandings.” However, the vague wording did little to settle the situation.

HYBE Idol Issues Multiple Apologies After Shocking Pedophilia Accusations

Instead, some netizens interpreted the statement as an admission that something inappropriate had happened.

so hes admitting to it…? what the hell

— elise ⁸⋆.˚ azsd 📌 (@arnosgirl) October 2, 2026

if there was an actual valid explanation for it all then he would’ve said it. this is a whole load of nothing.

— em ★ (@lunarwonz) October 2, 2026

sorry but is ruka dumb? world are calling you PDF over the “misunderstandings” and instead of clearing it up publicly, you went with a vague DM apology? so are we supposed to take that as you’re a PDF confirmation?

they are literally asking for aoen to disband because of you pic.twitter.com/dW3TJoSVv4

— ᴋʏᴏ_sᴋ (@sotakyoen_) October 3, 2026

Following the continued reaction, Ruka released another statement in an apparent attempt to explain the situation more clearly. In it, he directly stated that their relationship was not romantic.

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However, the second explanation has not stopped the backlash.

Some netizens continue to question why a 23-year-old would spend time with a 13-year-old in the first place, even if their families knew each other.

girl this is embarrassing, why would he be hanging out with a fucking kid to start?

— death of me: swish & THAT (@val0hug9) October 3, 2026

Nah this is still sketchy bc why would u hang out with someone younger than u by a DECADE.

— crystal 🗯️🎼 (@enoughbbing) October 3, 2026

No proof plus still weird

— کالم؟ (@Yaoitanked) October 3, 2026

For now, the controversy continues to spread as fans and netizens debate whether Ruka’s explanations answer the questions raised by the original posts.