According to Star News, Kim Geon-woo recently filed a lawsuit against WAKEONE seeking confirmation of his legal status. Kim is currently on hiatus and reportedly hopes to return to the group. However, after the measures he wanted were not taken, he decided to pursue legal action.
In response, WAKEONE issued a brief statement, saying, “We ask for your understanding that it is difficult to comment on the specific details, as related legal proceedings are currently underway.”
Kim Geon-woo debuted as a member of ALPHA DRIVE ONE through Mnet’s Boys II Planet.
In April, Kim became embroiled in controversy after expressing his dissatisfaction toward staff members on a filming set using inappropriate language, apparently unaware that his microphone was still on.
At the time, WAKEONE stated, “We have a responsibility to support our artists so they can focus on their activities in a stable environment and to ensure they maintain the basic attitude and standards expected of artists. We deeply regret that we did not fulfill these responsibilities adequately.”
The agency continued, “The incident occurred during the filming of content before his debut. At the time, Kim Geon-woo expressed his dissatisfaction using inappropriate language without realizing that his microphone was on. His remarks were not directed at a specific individual as criticism or a personal attack, but were made in the form of talking to himself. Nevertheless, such remarks were inappropriate under any circumstances. We once again sincerely apologize to the staff members who may have felt uncomfortable because of this incident, and we are truly sorry for causing concern among our fans.”
WAKEONE added, “Immediately after the incident, he conveyed his apology to the production team, and we believed the matter had been resolved through mutual communication. We also refrained from issuing a separate statement because we did not want to place any additional burden on the production team. Subsequently, various allegations that did not reflect the facts emerged online, and the process of verifying their accuracy took longer than expected, delaying our response. The various allegations currently circulating online are not true.”
The agency also stated, “Kim Geon-woo deeply regrets what happened. After discussions with our company, he decided to take time for self-reflection. Kim Geon-woo will not participate in the upcoming activities currently being prepared or the fan concert. For the time being, ALPHA DRIVE ONE will continue its activities as a seven-member group without Kim Geon-woo.”
Sources: Daum