Kim Geonwoo of ALPHA DRIVE ONE has filed a lawsuit against agency WAKEONE requesting a status ruling on his exclusive contract. The legal action follows a suspension of activities in April after an off-mic broadcast remark, with the agency confirming differences in planning future group schedules.
Kim Geonwoo Files Lawsuit Against WAKEONE Over Exclusive Contract
ALPHA DRIVE ONE member Kim Geonwoo has taken legal action against his agency, WAKEONE, seeking judicial confirmation of his exclusive contract and artist status. The dispute comes six months after the singer halted his entertainment activities following an inappropriate remark toward a broadcast official that surfaced online in April.
WAKEONE acknowledged the filing in a public statement released on October 25. The agency noted that legal proceedings are currently underway preventing detailed commentary on the ongoing litigation.
This is a matter with related legal procedures currently underway, so we ask for your understanding that we cannot comment on specific details.
WAKEONE representative, via OSEN and Chosunbiz
WAKEONE Cites Differences in Coordinating Future Activities
According to WAKEONE, the parties had been discussing various plans and schedules regarding Kim Geonwoo’s potential return to the group. Those negotiations broke down when disagreements emerged over how to structure his future schedule. The company stated that the comment was uttered as a form of self-talk rather than being a targeted attack or criticism aimed at any individual. Additionally, WAKEONE noted that the event took place prior to debut during the filming of content, and that Kim Geonwoo voiced his frustration using unsuitable words while unaware that his microphone remained active.
However, differences in opinions arose during the process of coordinating future activities, which led to the initiation of legal proceedings.
WAKEONE, via official social media statement
WAKEONE expressed regret over the fatigue caused to supporters and urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information regarding the dispute.
Group Activities Continue As ALPHA DRIVE ONE Promotes With Seven Members
While the legal dispute plays out, ALPHA DRIVE ONE remains active as a seven-member lineup. WAKEONE confirmed that scheduled performances and musical releases will proceed without interruption.
We plan to continue ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s activities as scheduled. We will support the seven currently active members to focus on music and performances in a stable environment, and we will do our best to ensure planned activities proceed without disruption.
WAKEONE, via official statement reported by Koreaboo
The underlying controversy began during a pre-debut content shoot when Kim Geonwoo was accused of offensive remarks and poor attitude behind the scenes. WAKEONE clarified at the time that the artist had expressed dissatisfaction using inappropriate language to himself without realizing an open microphone was recording. Following immediate apologies to production staff and a handwritten letter of remorse from Kim Geonwoo, where the singer acknowledged that he caused concern to many people and showed a disappointing side because of his immature words and actions, the artist stepped away from public appearances to reflect before the contractual standoff brought the matter to court.