WAKEONE has issued an official statement addressing online claims that ALPHA DRIVE ONE member GEONWOO mistreated on-site staff, including a broadcasting station FD (floor director).
The allegations spread after a January post on an online community claimed that a daughter working as a contract FD at KBS was harmed by a rookie idol member’s behavior. The post has since been deleted, with only screenshots circulating.
On April 9, WAKEONE said the comments in question occurred during a pre-debut content shoot. According to the label, GEONWOO voiced his frustration using inappropriate words, not realizing his microphone was on.
The company added that the remarks were not aimed at a specific person and came out as self-talk. Still, it acknowledged the comments were inappropriate in any situation and issued an apology.
WAKEONE stated that an apology to the production team was made immediately after the incident and the matter was resolved on site through mutual communication. The label said its statement was delayed as it took time to verify facts amid additional online rumors.
The agency stressed that allegations beyond this specific matter are not true and asked people to refrain from spreading unverified claims.
Regarding future activities, WAKEONE said GEONWOO is deeply reflecting and, after discussions with the company, will take time for self-reflection. He will not participate in scheduled promotions or the fan concert currently in preparation.
As a result, ALPHA DRIVE ONE will continue as a seven-member lineup without GEONWOO for the time being. Content and broadcasts that were completed before his hiatus may still be released as planned.
WAKEONE added that it will review its artist management and communication systems to ensure faster, more responsible responses going forward, and strengthen training and support to prevent similar issues. The company also conveyed that GEONWOO has expressed remorse over the matter.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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