Kim Gun-woo, a member of the group Alpha Drive One, has announced a hiatus from his activities.
According to Wake One, Kim Gun-woo will not participate in the upcoming activities and fan concert. For the time being, Alpha Drive One will continue as a seven-member group consisting of Rio, Jun-seo, Arno, Sang-won, Sin-long, An-shin, and Sang-hyun.
Wake One stated, "We feel a heavy responsibility for not fully supporting our artist in maintaining a stable environment and meeting the basic standards and attitudes required as an artist."
The agency addressed the controversy surrounding Kim Gun-woo's inappropriate remarks during his trainee days, explaining, "The incident occurred during a pre-debut content shoot. Kim Gun-woo expressed dissatisfaction using inappropriate language, unaware that his microphone was on. The remarks were not directed at any individual and were made as a monologue."
Wake One added, "However, the remarks were inappropriate under any circumstances. We deeply apologize to those who may have felt uncomfortable and sincerely apologize to the fans for causing concern." They further explained that they had apologized to the production team and considered the matter resolved through mutual communication, opting not to make a separate statement to avoid additional burden.
Regarding the online rumors, Wake One clarified, "Various unfounded allegations have been spread online, delaying our response as we verified the facts. Kim Gun-woo is deeply reflecting on this incident and has decided to take time for self-reflection after discussions with us."
Kim Gun-woo posted a handwritten letter stating, "I apologize for causing concern and disappointment with my immature behavior. This incident made me realize how foolish my actions were and how lacking I am as a person. I will act responsibly in the future to prevent such incidents from recurring."
Previously, Kim Gun-woo faced allegations of swearing at staff during a content shoot in January and accusations of favoritism and embezzlement during his trainee days on Mnet's 'Boys Planet 2.' He issued a handwritten apology on Wake One's official Instagram four days after the allegations surfaced.
Official Statement from Wake One
Hello, this is Wake One.
First, we deeply apologize for the delayed statement to the fans who support and cherish ALPHA DRIVE ONE.
We are responsible for ensuring our artists can focus on their activities in a stable environment and meet the basic standards and attitudes required as artists. We feel a heavy responsibility for not fully implementing this.
Regarding the remarks made by Kim Gun-woo, the incident occurred during a pre-debut content shoot. Kim Gun-woo expressed dissatisfaction using inappropriate language, unaware that his microphone was on. The remarks were not directed at any individual and were made as a monologue. However, the remarks were inappropriate under any circumstances. We deeply apologize to those who may have felt uncomfortable and sincerely apologize to the fans for causing concern.
We apologized to the production team immediately after the incident and considered the matter resolved through mutual communication. We opted not to make a separate statement to avoid additional burden on the production team. However, various unfounded allegations have been spread online, delaying our response as we verified the facts. The current allegations circulating online are not true. We ask for restraint in the indiscriminate spread of unverified information. Nonetheless, we acknowledge our lack of judgment in not providing a prompt explanation.
Kim Gun-woo is deeply reflecting on this incident. After discussions with us, he has decided to take time for self-reflection. Therefore, Kim Gun-woo will not participate in the upcoming activities and fan concert. For the time being, ALPHA DRIVE ONE will continue as a seven-member group. However, broadcasts and content completed before the hiatus may be released as scheduled.
We are reviewing our internal and external communication methods and artist management system. We will closely examine the areas that were lacking and improve the related standards and management system. We will also strengthen education and support for our artists to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE is a team moving towards a single dream. We will strive to ensure all members can work in a stable environment. We ask for your warm support and interest.
Wake One