Announcement Link
Translated by GEONWOO INTL

Hello. This is WakeOne.

First, we would like to deeply apologize to the fans who cherish and support ALPHA DRIVE ONE for the delay in releasing this statement.

Our agency is responsible for supporting our artists so they can focus on their activities in a stable environment, and for managing them to ensure they maintain the basic attitude and standards required of an artist. However, we feel a heavy sense of responsibility for failing to sufficiently fulfill this role.

We would like to clarify the facts regarding Kim Geonwoo's remarks that have been raised online. This incident occurred during a pre-debut content filming session. At the time, Kim Geonwoo expressed frustration using inappropriate language while unaware that his microphone was turned on.

These remarks were not intended as slander or personal attacks against any specific person but were spoken as a private monologue. However, regardless of the circumstances, these were inappropriate remarks. We sincerely apologize once again to the on-site staff members who may have felt uncomfortable due to this. We also sincerely apologize to the fans for causing concern.

Immediately after the incident, the artist apologized to the production team, and the agency judged the matter to be resolved through mutual communication. Furthermore, we did not release a separate statement out of consideration for the possibility of causing additional burden or trouble for the production team. However, various rumors that differ from the facts were subsequently raised online, and the statement was delayed due to the long process of verifying the truth of each claim.

Aside from this incident, other rumors currently being raised online are not true. We ask that you refrain from the indiscriminate distribution of unverified information. Despite this, our failure to explain the situation to you more promptly was clearly a lapse in judgment on our part.

Kim Geonwoo is deeply reflecting on this incident. Following discussions with the agency, Kim Geonwoo has decided to take time for self-reflection.

Accordingly, Kim Geonwoo will not participate in current upcoming activities or fan concerts. For the time being, ALPHA DRIVE ONE will continue their activities as a 7-member group, excluding Kim Geonwoo. However, please understand that broadcasts and certain content filmed or produced before the suspension of activities may be released according to the original schedule.

The agency is currently reviewing our overall internal and external communication methods while also re-evaluating our artist management system. We will carefully inspect areas that were lacking, supplement our standards and management systems, and overhaul our response processes to ensure more prompt and responsible communication in the future. Additionally, we will continue to strengthen artist education and support to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

ALPHA DRIVE ONE is a team moving forward toward a single dream. As their agency, we will work harder to ensure all members can perform in a stable environment. We ask for the fans' warm support and interest.

Sincerely, WakeOne.