ALPHADRIVEONE's Kim Geon Woo halts activities amid controversy, handwritten letter and agency statement released

ALPHA DRIVE ONE member Kim Geon Woo will suspend his group activities amid a recent controversy.

On April 8, the group's agency, WakeOne, announced, "Kim Geon Woo is deeply reflecting on this matter. After discussions with the agency, he has decided to take time for self-reflection."

As a result, Kim Geon Woo will not participate in upcoming activities or fan concerts. ALPHADRIVEONE will continue promotions as a seven-member group for the time being. The incident involved inappropriate remarks made by Kim Geon Woo online. WakeOne confirmed that the comments originated during content filming before his debut, when Kim Geon Woo expressed complaints in a self-directed monologue, unaware that his microphone was on.

The agency emphasized that the remarks were not directed at any individual and did not involve personal attacks, but acknowledged that the comments were inappropriate in any context and issued an apology.

Kim Geon Woo also personally apologized to production staff at the scene. Following the incident, false claims circulated online, which WakeOne confirmed were untrue. The agency and Kim Geon Woo requested that the public refrain from spreading unverified information.

Previously filmed content and scheduled releases will continue as planned. WakeOne added that it will review communication practices and artist management processes to ensure a stable environment for all members.

[Full Official Statement by WakeOne]

"Hello, this is WakeOne.

We would like to sincerely apologize to the fans who love and support ALPHA DRIVE ONE for the delayed response.

As an agency, we have a responsibility to support our artists so they can focus on their activities in a stable environment, and to manage them so they can maintain the basic attitudes and standards required as artists. We deeply feel the weight of our responsibility for failing to fulfill this sufficiently.

Regarding the remarks made by Kim Geon Woo that have been circulating online, we would like to clarify the facts. The incident occurred on the set of pre-debut content filming. At the time, Kim Geon Woo expressed dissatisfaction in an inappropriate manner, unaware that his microphone was on. The remarks were not directed at any specific individual, nor were they personal attacks. They came out as a self-directed monologue. However, this was an inappropriate statement under any circumstances. We sincerely apologize once again to those on set who felt uncomfortable, and we are truly sorry to the fans for causing distress.

Immediately after the incident, Kim Geon Woo conveyed his apologies to the production team, and the agency judged it to have been resolved through communication between the parties involved. We also chose not to make a separate public statement out of consideration for not placing additional burden on the production team. However, various allegations different from the facts were subsequently raised online, and as the process of verifying each claim took time, our official statement was delayed.

The various allegations currently circulating online beyond this incident are not true. We ask that you refrain from the indiscriminate spread of unverified information. Nevertheless, our failure to provide a swift explanation to fans was clearly a lapse in judgment on our part.

Kim Geon Woo is deeply reflecting on this matter. At the conclusion of discussions with the agency, Kim Geon Woo has decided to take time for self-reflection. Accordingly, Kim Geon Woo will not be participating in the upcoming scheduled activities or fan concerts. ALPHA DRIVE ONE will operate as a seven-member group for the time being. Please note that previously filmed and produced broadcasts and some content may be released as scheduled.

We are reviewing our overall internal and external communication methods, while also re-examining our artist management system. We will thoroughly review the areas that were lacking, improve our standards and management systems, and ensure that more prompt and responsible communication takes place going forward. We will also continuously strengthen education and support for artists to prevent similar cases from recurring.

ALPHA DRIVE ONE is a team moving forward toward one dream. We will work even harder as an agency to ensure that all members can promote in a stable environment. We ask for your warm support and continued interest.

WakeOne"

[Full Handwritten Apology by Kim Geon Woo]

"Hello, this is Kim Geon Woo of ALPHA DRIVE ONE.

I would first like to sincerely apologize to the fans who always cheer for us, the ALPHA DRIVE ONE members who work hard together, the staff who work tirelessly on site, and all the staff who do their best for us.

My immature behavior has caused many people to feel uncomfortable and has shown a disappointing side of me. I would like to once again sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt by this incident. I have never taken for granted the great love I have received from my debut until now.

Despite that, the fact that I showed a side of myself that went against my pledge to repay the fans who support me despite my shortcomings. I am ashamed and deeply regretful of myself. Through this incident, I have sincerely felt how foolish my actions were and how lacking I am as a person.

Going forward, I will act with a sense of responsibility in every moment, reflect deeply, and be careful so that this kind of incident does not happen again. I will take time to look at myself once more, and I will do my best to return as a more mature person.

Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone.

Kim Geon Woo"