The agency WAKEONE released a formal statement to address the lawsuit filed by Geonwoo, a member of ALPHA DRIVE ONE, and to clarify the future of the group's activities.
On October 25, it was revealed that Geonwoo, who has been on hiatus since April, had filed a lawsuit against the agency requesting a judicial resolution regarding the validity of his exclusive contract and his contractual status as an artist.
Initially, WAKEONE responded with a brief statement explaining that it was “difficult to comment on specific details” because the legal process was ongoing. However, hours later that same day, the agency issued a more extensive statement to address the situation in greater depth.
WAKEONE’s full statement
The South Korean agency explained that, before resorting to legal action, it had been preparing various plans for Geonwoo's future, including a concrete schedule and specific content, and that conversations with the artist had remained active for some time.
According to WAKEONE, differences of opinion arose during the process of defining the direction of Geonwoo's future activities, which eventually led to the current legal proceedings. The company expressed deep regret for causing concern and fatigue among fans due to this situation and assured that it will respond to the lawsuit following established procedures.
The agency also asked fans to avoid spreading speculation or unverified information, noting that this type of content can lead to unnecessary misunderstandings and affect both the artist and the fans.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE will continue its activities as a seven-member group
WAKEONE confirmed that ALPHA DRIVE ONE's activities will proceed as planned. The agency stated that it will provide support so that the seven currently active members can focus on their music and performances in a stable environment, and that it will do everything possible to ensure scheduled activities continue without setbacks.
Likewise, the company indicated that it will maintain communication with Geonwoo regarding his future within the entertainment industry, although it did not offer additional details on how that process will unfold while the lawsuit is ongoing.
WAKEONE closed its statement by asking fans to continue their support for ALPHA DRIVE ONE and the group's growth.
Background on the controversy surrounding Geonwoo
Geonwoo debuted in January as a member of ALPHA DRIVE ONE, the project group formed from “BOYS II PLANET”. This past spring, the idol was involved in a controversy after industry representatives reported offensive comments and problematic behavior he allegedly displayed off-camera.
One of the incidents that generated the most controversy occurred during the recording of pre-debut content, when Geonwoo complained about a staff member using inappropriate language, without realizing his microphone was on.
Following the controversy, Geonwoo temporarily halted his activities in April, and since then, ALPHA DRIVE ONE has continued working as a seven-member group.
Frequently asked questions about the Geonwoo and ALPHA DRIVE ONE lawsuit
Why did Geonwoo sue WAKEONE?
Geonwoo filed a lawsuit to request a judicial resolution regarding the validity of his exclusive contract and his contractual status as an artist, after differences of opinion arose with the agency regarding the direction of his future activities.
What did WAKEONE say about the lawsuit?
WAKEONE stated that it will respond to the legal process following established procedures and asked fans to avoid spreading unverified information while the case progresses.
Will ALPHA DRIVE ONE remain active during the legal process?
Yes. WAKEONE confirmed that the group will continue its scheduled activities with the seven current members, providing them with a stable environment to focus on their music and performances.
How long has Geonwoo been on hiatus?
Geonwoo has been on hiatus since April, following the controversy generated by offensive comments and problematic behavior reported by industry representatives before the group's debut.
What will happen to Geonwoo’s future in the industry?
WAKEONE noted that it will continue to communicate with Geonwoo regarding his future activities in the entertainment industry, although no concrete details have been revealed.
