ALPHA DRIVE ONE: WAKEONE apologizes and announces the suspension of activities for KIM GEONWOO

The agency takes firm measures after a controversy related to the artist’s remarks during a pre-debut content filming.

On April 8, 2026, the agency WAKEONE published an official statement regarding KIM GEONWOO, a member of the group ALPHA DRIVE ONE. The agency confirmed that the artist used inappropriate expressions during a filming, not realizing that his microphone was on at that time. Although the agency specifies that it was not a personal attack toward a third party but a monologue, it offered its most sincere apologies to the professionals present as well as to the fans for the discomfort caused.

Following deep reflection and after discussion with the agency, it was decided that KIM GEONWOO would take a period of introspection. Consequently, he will not participate in the activities currently in preparation nor in the concerts planned for fans. During this period, the group ALPHA DRIVE ONE will pursue its activities as seven members, temporarily excluding KIM GEONWOO. The agency nevertheless specified that certain content filmed before this suspension could be broadcast according to the initially planned schedule.

ALPHA DRIVE ONE: WAKEONE apologizes and announces the suspension of activities for KIM GEONWOO The agency takes firm measures after a controversy related to the artist’s remarks during a pre-debut content filming.

On April 8, 2026, the agency WAKEONE published an official statement regarding KIM GEONWOO (Geonwoo), a member of the group ALPHA DRIVE ONE. The agency confirmed that the artist used inappropriate expressions during a filming, not realizing that his microphone was on at that time. Although the agency specifies that it was not a personal attack toward a third party but a monologue, it offered its most sincere apologies to the professionals present as well as to the fans for the discomfort caused.

WAKEONE committed to strengthening the management of its artists and communication processes to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future. It promises to redouble efforts to support the group so that all members can evolve in a stable environment.

A difficult decision that places the future of ALPHA DRIVE ONE under the sign of restructuring for the months to come.

Translation of the statement from WAKEONE:

“Hello. This is WAKEONE.

First of all, we deeply apologize to the fans who cherish and support ALPHA DRIVE ONE for the delay in publishing our position.

Our agency must support our affiliated artists so that they can focus on their activities in a stable environment, and must manage them so that they possess the attitude and fundamental standards required as artists. However, we feel a heavy responsibility for not having fully implemented this.

We are informing you of the facts regarding the remarks of KIM GEONWOO raised online. The incident in question occurred at the site of a pre-debut content filming. At that time, KIM GEONWOO expressed his dissatisfaction through an inappropriate expression without realizing that the microphone was on. These remarks were not a criticism or a personal attack toward a specific person, but were spoken in the form of a monologue. However, it was in any case inappropriate remarks. We apologize again deeply to the staff present on-site who may have felt uncomfortable because of this. Furthermore, we sincerely apologize to the fans for causing you concern.

Immediately after the incident, the artist expressed his apologies to the production team, and our agency considered the matter closed through mutual communication. Furthermore, we did not publish a separate position because we feared causing an additional burden or harm to the production team. However, after that, various suspicions different from reality were raised online, and the announcement of our position was delayed by the process of verifying the truth of each content. Apart from this case, the various allegations currently raised online are not true. We ask you to refrain from any indiscriminate dissemination of unverified content. Despite this, not having provided you with prompt explanations is a clear lack of judgment on our part.

KIM GEONWOO is deeply reflecting on this incident. Following discussions with our agency, KIM GEONWOO has decided to take a time of personal reflection. Consequently, KIM GEONWOO will not participate in the activities currently in preparation nor in the fan concert. For the moment, ALPHA DRIVE ONE plans to conduct its activities under a structure of 7 members, excluding KIM GEONWOO. Please however understand that broadcasts and certain content whose filming and production were completed before the cessation of activities could be broadcast according to the planned schedule.

While examining all of our internal and external communication methods, our agency is also re-examining the artist management system. We will thoroughly examine the insufficient points to complete the management standards and system, and we will reorganize the response processes so that faster and more responsible communication can take place in the future. In addition, we will continuously strengthen the education and support of our artists in order to prevent similar cases from recurring.

ALPHA DRIVE ONE is a team moving toward a common dream. As an affiliated agency, we will make more effort so that all members can carry out their activities in a stable environment. We request the warm support and interest of the fans.

Sincerely, WAKEONE”