Group Alpha Drive One member Kim Gun-woo will suspend activities.
On the 8th, WakeOne said on its official social account, "We must support our artists so they can focus on activities in a stable environment and manage them so they acquire the basic attitudes and standards required as artists. However, we feel deeply responsible for failing to fully fulfill this," and expressed its position regarding Kim Gun-woo.
WakeOne explained, "We report the facts regarding Kim Gun-woo's remarks raised online. The incident occurred on a content filming set before his debut. At the time, Kim Gun-woo, unaware that the microphone was on, expressed dissatisfaction using inappropriate language. The remarks were not criticism or personal attacks directed at a specific person and were spoken as if talking to himself."
They continued, "However, those remarks were inappropriate in any circumstance. We deeply apologize once again to the production staff who may have felt uncomfortable because of this. We are also truly sorry for worrying the fans," and added, "He apologized to the production team immediately after the incident, and we judged that the matter was resolved through mutual communication. We also chose not to make a separate statement out of consideration that it could place additional burden or pressure on the production team. However, afterward, various allegations inconsistent with the facts were raised online, and the process of verifying the truth of each claim took a long time, delaying our statement."
WakeOne said, "Aside from this matter, the various allegations currently being raised online are not true. We ask that people refrain from indiscriminately spreading unconfirmed information. Nevertheless, our failure to promptly explain the situation to you was a clear lack of judgment on our part," and said, "Kim Gun-woo is deeply reflecting on this matter. After discussion with our company, Kim Gun-woo has decided to take time for self-reflection. Accordingly, Kim Gun-woo will not participate in the activities and fan concert currently being prepared. For the time being, ALPHA DRIVE ONE will promote as a seven-member group excluding Kim Gun-woo. However, please understand that broadcasts and some content that were filmed and produced before the suspension of activities may be released according to the promised schedule."
Meanwhile, Alpha Drive One, formed through Mnet's Boyz II Planet, is the "2026 global K-pop super rookie boy group" whose name represents ▲ALPHA (aiming for the top) ▲DRIVE (passion and momentum) ▲ONE (one team), and it carries a strong ambition to deliver "K-pop catharsis" on stage.
Below is WakeOne's full statement
Hello. This is WakeOne.
First, we deeply apologize to the fans who cherish and support ALPHA DRIVE ONE for the delayed statement.
We must support our artists so they can focus on activities in a stable environment and manage them so they acquire the basic attitudes and standards required as artists. However, we feel deeply responsible for failing to fully fulfill this.
We report the facts regarding Kim Gun-woo's remarks raised online. The incident occurred on a content filming set before his debut. At the time, Kim Gun-woo, unaware that the microphone was on, expressed dissatisfaction using inappropriate language. The remarks were not criticism or personal attacks directed at a specific person and were spoken as if talking to himself.
However, those remarks were inappropriate in any circumstance. We deeply apologize once again to the production staff who may have felt uncomfortable because of this. We are also truly sorry for worrying the fans.
He apologized to the production team immediately after the incident, and we judged that the matter was resolved through mutual communication. We also chose not to make a separate statement out of consideration that it could place additional burden or pressure on the production team. However, afterward, various allegations inconsistent with the facts were raised online, and the process of verifying the truth of each claim took a long time, delaying our statement.
The various allegations currently being raised online aside from this matter are not true. We ask that people refrain from indiscriminately spreading unconfirmed information. Nevertheless, our failure to promptly explain the situation to you was a clear lack of judgment on our part.
Kim Gun-woo is deeply reflecting on this matter. After discussion with our company, Kim Gun-woo has decided to take time for self-reflection. Accordingly, Kim Gun-woo will not participate in the activities and fan concert currently being prepared. For the time being, ALPHA DRIVE ONE will promote as a seven-member group excluding Kim Gun-woo. However, please understand that broadcasts and some content that were filmed and produced before the suspension of activities may be released according to the promised schedule.
We are reviewing overall internal and external communications methods and are also reexamining our artist management system. We will closely inspect the shortcomings, supplement related standards and management systems, and reorganize our response processes so that faster and more responsible guidance can be provided in the future. We will also continuously strengthen education and support for artists to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE is a team moving toward one dream. As the agency, we will work harder to ensure all members can work in a stable environment. We ask for fans' warm support and interest.
Sincerely, WakeOne
[OSEN]