NEWS Member Keiichiro Koyama Suspends Activities Following Underage Drinking Scandal

NEWS member Keiichiro Koyama has suspended his activities for an indefinite amount of time following reports that he coerced two women to drink while underage.

Koyama appeared on the news program "news every" to address the report first published by Shuukan Bunshun. He apologized for his involvement in the incident, and explained that he did not know she was underage.

"I was told that this woman was 20-years-old, and had no idea she was underage. Because of this, I participated in a party where minors were present, and encouraged them to drink," Koyama said.

Koyama characterized his actions as inappropriate. He apologized for the incident.

"For the time being, I would like to take to to take a break, and will refrain from my activities for the time being. I will take this time to reflect upon my actions and take a close look at myself," Koyama said.

NEWS is scheduled to release a new single titled "BLUE" on June 27. It is unclear how Koyama's suspension of activities will affect the promotions of the single.