The group Alpha Drive One member Kim Gun-woo acknowledged inappropriate words and actions toward staff and will suspend activities entirely.
On the 8th, Alpha Drive One's agency Wake One detailed its position on the recent online controversy over Kim Gun-woo's words and actions and the group's future activity plans through official channels.
The agency bowed its head, saying, "Our company must support our artists so they can focus on activities in a stable environment and manage them so they can have the basic attitudes and standards required as artists. However, we feel deeply responsible for failing to sufficiently carry this out."
Earlier, on online communities a post alleging that Kim Gun-woo made inappropriate remarks toward staff during filming of YouTube content spread, sparking controversy. Afterward, the impact grew as fans demanded verification of the facts and various unconfirmed allegations followed.
Regarding the circumstances of the controversial remarks, the agency explained, "The matter occurred on a content filming set before debut. At the time, Kim Gun-woo, unaware that the microphone was on, expressed dissatisfaction with inappropriate expressions. The remarks were not criticism or personal attacks aimed at a specific person and came out as muttering to himself."
The agency continued, "However, this was inappropriate speech in any case. We deeply apologize again to the on-site personnel who may have felt uncomfortable. We also sincerely apologize for causing concern to fans," and explained the delay in issuing a statement: "Immediately after the incident, an apology was conveyed to the production team, and our company judged the matter to have been resolved through mutual communication. We did not issue a separate statement considering that it could place additional burden or pressure on the production team. However, afterward various allegations that differed from the facts were raised online, and the process of verifying each claim took a long time, delaying our statement."
However, the agency drew a line regarding additional rumors, saying, "Aside from this matter, the various allegations currently being raised online are not true. We ask that you refrain from indiscriminately spreading unverified content."
Accordingly, Kim Gun-woo will temporarily suspend activities with Alpha Drive One. The agency said, "Kim Gun-woo is reflecting deeply on this matter. After discussions with our company, Kim Gun-woo decided to take time for self-reflection. Therefore, Kim Gun-woo will not participate in the activities currently being prepared or the fan concert. For the time being, Alpha Drive One will operate as a seven-member group excluding Kim Gun-woo."
Kim Gun-woo also posted a handwritten apology the same day and bowed his head to fans and those involved. He said, "I caused concern to many people and showed a disappointing side because of my immature words and actions. I want to say once again that I am sorry to all those who were hurt by this incident," and added, "Through this incident I earnestly felt how foolish my actions were and how lacking I am as a person."
He repeated his apology, "From now on I will act with responsibility every moment, deeply reflect and be careful so that this never happens again. I will take time to seriously look back on myself and do my best to return as a mature person."
[Photo] OSEN DB
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