Kim Geonwoo, a member of the group ALPHA DRIVE ONE (also known as ALD1), has suspended his activities and filed a lawsuit against his agency WAKEONE. In response, the agency has released an official statement.
Kim Geonwoo recently filed a lawsuit requesting confirmation of the validity and status of his exclusive contract against WAKEONE. Regarding this, WAKEONE shared their statement on October 25 through their official social media, saying, “We sincerely apologize to the fans who cherish and support ALPHA DRIVE ONE for causing concern due to recent issues.”
WAKEONE stated, “We have been preparing and discussing various plans, including detailed schedules and content, regarding Kim Geonwoo’s future activities.” They continued, “However, differences in opinions arose during the process of coordinating future activities, which led to the initiation of legal proceedings.”
The agency added, “We deeply regret and apologize for causing worry and fatigue to the fans during this process. We will respond sincerely according to the established procedures regarding the related matters.”
They also urged, “Furthermore, as speculative or inaccurate information spreading without sufficient confirmation of the facts can cause unnecessary misunderstandings and hurt both the artist and fans, we politely ask that the indiscriminate dissemination of unverified information be refrained from.”
WAKEONE stated, “We plan to continue ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s activities as scheduled. We will support the seven currently active members to focus on music and performances in a stable environment, and we will do our best to ensure planned activities proceed without disruption.”
Meanwhile, Kim Geonwoo was accused in April this year of using profanity during a broadcast content shoot. At the time, WAKEONE explained, “This happened before debut during a content shoot. At that time, Kim Geonwoo expressed dissatisfaction with inappropriate language without realizing the microphone was on. The remarks were not directed at a specific person nor were they personal attacks but were muttered to himself.”
WAKEONE said, “This language was inappropriate in any situation. We deeply apologize once again to the staff who may have felt uncomfortable. We are genuinely sorry for the concern caused to fans. We apologized to the production team immediately after the incident, and the matter was resolved through mutual communication.”
Following this, Kim Geonwoo suspended his activities. WAKEONE stated, “Kim Geonwoo is deeply reflecting on this matter. After discussions with the agency, Kim Geonwoo decided to take time for self-reflection.”
In a handwritten apology, Kim Geonwoo bowed his head and said, “I want to apologize sincerely to the fans who support us, my fellow members of ALPHA DRIVE ONE who always work hard alongside me, the staff who work hard on site, and all staff members striving for us.”
He continued, “My immature words and actions caused concern to many and disappointed those who supported me. I want to apologize again to all those who were hurt by this incident. I have never taken the great love I have received since before debut for granted. Still, I am disappointed and regretful that my immaturity showed a side that contradicted my promise to repay the fans who support me.”
Kim Geonwoo said, “Through this incident, I deeply felt how foolish my actions were and how lacking I am as a person. I will act responsibly every moment going forward, reflect deeply, and be careful to ensure such incidents do not happen again. I will take this time to seriously look back on myself and do my best to come back as a mature person.”
Below is the full official statement from WAKEONE:
“Hello, this is WAKEONE
First, we sincerely apologize to the fans who cherish and support ALPHA DRIVE ONE for causing concern due to recent issues.
We have been preparing and discussing various plans, including detailed schedules and content, regarding Kim Geonwoo’s future activities. However, differences in opinions arose during the process of coordinating future activities, which led to the initiation of legal proceedings. We deeply regret and apologize for causing worry and fatigue to the fans during this process. We will respond sincerely according to established procedures regarding the related matters.
Furthermore, as speculative or inaccurate information spreading without sufficient confirmation of the facts can cause unnecessary misunderstandings and hurt both the artist and fans, we politely ask that the indiscriminate dissemination of unverified information be refrained from.
Meanwhile, we plan to continue ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s activities as scheduled. We will support the seven currently active members to focus on music and performances in a stable environment and will do our best to ensure planned activities proceed without disruption.
We will support stable activities for ALPHA DRIVE ONE and continue communication regarding Kim Geonwoo’s future entertainment activities. We will do our best to ensure that all ALPHA DRIVE ONE members and artists under our agency can work in a stable environment.
We kindly ask fans for their continued support and warm encouragement for ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s activities and growth.
Thank you.”