The idol has personally apologized over the matter.
On Wednesday, April 8, Korean music label WAKEONE Entertainment announced that Kim Geonwoo, a member of the rookie group ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1), will be taking a hiatus.
The announcement comes after the 23-year-old was caught in the center of a controversy after reported accounts from members of industry regarding his behavior.
In response to those allegations, WAKEONE issued a statement to address the matter once and for all.
“First, we sincerely apologize for the delay in issuing our position to all fans who care for and support ALPHA DRIVE ONE,” they wrote in their statement, as translated by Soompi. “Our company has a responsibility to support our artists so they can focus on their activities in a stable environment and to manage them so they can uphold the basic attitude and standards required as artists. However, we feel a heavy sense of responsibility for failing to sufficiently fulfill these duties.“
They then clarified that the supposed remarks made by the ALD1 member, which circulated online, occurred on the set during the filming of a content prior to his debut.
“At the time, Kim Geonwoo expressed dissatisfaction using inappropriate language without realizing that his microphone was on,” with the company adding that his remarks were not a criticism or personal attack directed at any specific individual.
Instead, it was spoken in the form of a muttered remark to himself.
“Nevertheless, they were inappropriate under any circumstances. We once again offer our deepest apologies to the staff on site who may have felt uncomfortable as a result. We are also truly sorry for causing concern to our fans.“
Immediately after the incident, Kim apologized to the production team and the company understood the matter to have been concluded through mutual communication.
“However, afterward, various suspicions that differed from the facts were raised online, and the process of verifying whether each claim was true took time, which led to the delay in our statement,” it furthered explained.
Aside from this matter, the label quashed other rumors being shared online and asked users to refrain from indiscriminately spreading unverified information.
The company then said that Kim is deeply reflecting on this incident and has decided to take time for “self-reflection.”
“Accordingly, he will not participate in the activities currently being prepared or in the fan-con. For the time being, ALPHA DRIVE ONE will promote as seven members without Kim Geonwoo,” WAKEONE continued as they asked for understanding that some content that were filmed and produced prior to the suspension of activities may still be released according to the previously agreed schedule.
Moreover, the agency is also now reviewing their internal and external processes within the company in responding to these situations and will also strengthen education and support for artists to prevent similar cases from happening again.
“ALPHA DRIVE ONE is a team moving toward a shared dream. As their agency, we will work harder to ensure that all members can promote in a stable environment. We ask for your warm support and continued interest,” it concluded.
Following the announcement, Geonwoo shared his personal letter on another platform to convey his apology.
“Hello, this is ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s Geonwoo. First, I want to apologize to our fans who always support us, to the ALPHA DRIVE ONE members who always work hard together, to the staff who put in hard work on set, and to all the staff who put in effort for us,” he wrote.
The K-pop idol continued, “My immature words and actions have caused many people concern and disappointment. I want to apologize once again to everyone who was hurt by this incident.”
He said that while he never took for granted the love he has received since before debuting until now, he feels “disappointed and regretful” that his actions contradicted his promise to repay the fans who support him.
Through this incident, he told, he felt how foolish his actions were and what he lacks as a person.
“From now on, I will act with responsibility in every moment, deeply reflect, and be careful to ensure that such an incident never happens again. I will take this time to seriously reflect on myself once more and do my best to return as a more mature person. Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone. I am sorry,” he concluded his message.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE was formed through the hit survival-reality show Boys II Planet, which aired on South Korean TV channel Mnet from July to September 2025.
The program is the sequel to Boys Planet, which aired in 2023 and led to the formation of ALD1’s senior group, ZEROBASEONE, who are also currently managed by WAKEONE.
Last January, they made their debut with the song entitled Freak Alarm, which is part of the namesake mini-album.
