Kim Geonwoo has halted all activities with ALPHA DRIVE ONE following renewed controversy, with his agency confirming the decision on April 8 The group will continue promotions as a seven-member unit while the artist steps back “to take time for self-reflection.”
In an official statement, WakeOne cited backlash over “inappropriate remarks” as the immediate trigger, describing the comments as potentially self-directed rather than aimed at others. At the same time, the agency denied additional circulating allegations as untrue. A scheduled video call fansign for April 8 was abruptly canceled.
Geonwoo also addressed fans directly through a handwritten letter, acknowledging the controversy and expressing his intention to reflect. The pause marks the most significant development in a series of issues that have followed him since before debut.
Scrutiny first emerged in 2025 during the Boys II Planet period, when anonymous posts accused him of bullying younger trainees and displaying poor leadership behavior. He later issued an apology, admitting to “offensive behavior” tied to inexperience while disputing exaggerated claims. Despite the backlash, he proceeded to debut with ALPHA DRIVE ONE.
Concerns resurfaced in early 2026 with a wave of anonymous allegations from individuals claiming to be broadcast staff. Posts described instances of unprofessional conduct, including failure to greet crew members, use of profanity on open microphones, and creating a tense on-set atmosphere. Some claims escalated further, alleging verbal insults directed at staff, including fatphobic remarks toward a female employee.
WakeOne responded at the time by denying multiple accusations and warning of legal action against defamatory content. Questions around timeline inconsistencies and unverifiable sources led to divided reactions within the fanbase, with some defending the artist and others calling for accountability.
The latest wave of criticism intensified after clips from a recent fansign circulated online. Viewers interpreted Geonwoo’s interactions with fellow members as distant or dismissive, reigniting debate about his conduct. That momentum appears to have culminated in the decision to suspend activities, at least temporarily.
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