WAKEONE Entertainment revealed on April 8 that ALPHA DRIVE ONE member Kim Geonwoo will temporarily stop all group activities.
The agency made the decision so he could take time to reflect deeply on recent issues. He was involved in controversy for his pre-debut remarks and past behavior allegations.
In an official statement, WAKEONE said Kim Geonwoo feels truly sorry and wants to use this break for self-reflection. “Kim Geonwoo is deeply reflecting on this incident,” the agency noted.
The agency responded to calls for his withdrawal from the group by suspending his activities. The label said, “After discussions with our agency, he has decided to take time for self-reflection.”
As a result, he will sit out upcoming promotions and a planned fan-con. ALPHA DRIVE ONE will continue activities as a seven-member group for now.
Kim Geonwoo, born on April 11, 2003, rose to fame as a contestant on the survival show Boys II Planet. He placed 4th in the final rankings and debuted with ALPHA DRIVE ONE (also known as ALD1) on January 12, 2026. The eight-member multinational project group released their first mini-album Euphoria, which became a million seller.
However, controversies started soon after the debut. In February 2026, online posts accused Geonwoo of rude behavior toward broadcasting staff. One claim came from someone who said they worked at MBC. They alleged he made inappropriate, fatphobic remarks that caused emotional distress and even led to psychiatric treatment.
Other anonymous accounts, claiming to be from KBS and other stations, described him as having a bad attitude. He did not greet the staff properly and showed poor manners on set.
Some accusations also pointed to his trainee days, including claims of bullying younger trainees at his previous agency. Videos from fan events showed him suddenly pulling or grabbing members without warning.
WAKEONE initially responded in February by warning it would take strong legal action against malicious rumors and defamation. The agency partnered with a law firm to protect its artists, including members of ZEROBASEONE and ALPHA DRIVE ONE. Despite that, the discussions continued for weeks.
In his handwritten apology letter shared by the agency, Geonwoo expressed regret and a desire to improve. The company cleared that some early claims described his remarks as “talking to himself” rather than direct criticism of anyone specific, and they denied other allegations.
Some sent protest trucks and even funeral wreaths for his removal from the group. Others supported him and called for the agency to protect him from online hate.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE debuted as an eight-member group formed through Boys II Planet. As Geonwoo is stepping back, the remaining seven members will handle scheduled activities. WAKEONE did not say how long the hiatus will last or when Geonwoo might return.