The new Korean idol boy group JYJ has been denied visas to the United States, which the members need to perform concerts there, their agency said Friday.

   The three-member JYJ was scheduled to perform in New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles starting Friday (local time), but their applications for P1 entertainment visas were rejected by U.S. immigration authorities, said CJeS Entertainment on its Web site.

   "We are still (waiting to hear) the official reason (as) to why their P1 visas have been denied since the band has followed every procedure required and also did their interviews accordingly," said CJeS chief Baek Chang-ju in an English statement. "We are extremely puzzled by this matter and will continue investigations into it."

   The agency said JYJ will still try to travel to the U.S. as its lawyers advised that their entry will be possible on condition that their performance will be free of charge and that they do not take proceeds from it.

   JYJ, launched this year with three members of the now-disbanded Asia-wide popular band TVXQ -- Jejung, Yuchun and Junsu -- has sizable legions of Asian fans in the U.S. Since its first world-wide album "The Beginning" was released in October, the pop group has held showcases in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and Shanghai.

   Yuchun's popularity has particularly soared after he played a lead role in the recent hit Korean drama series "Sungkyunkwan Scandal."

   The agency said fans will receive refunds for tickets, and the showcases, if held as scheduled, will be free.

(Yonhap News)