ALD1 member Geonwoo halts activities over hot mic controversy

ALPHA DRIVE ONE member Kim Geonwoo / Courtesy of WakeOne

ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1) member Kim Geonwoo is suspending group activities indefinitely following a predebut hot mic incident, according to his agency, WakeOne.

WakeOne issued a formal apology on Wednesday in a statement addressing the incident. The agency expressed regret for its delayed public response and took full responsibility for failing to properly manage the artist's professional standards.

The controversy centers on an incident at a video shoot prior to the group's debut. The agency said Kim used inappropriate language to express dissatisfaction, unaware that his microphone was on.

"The relevant remark was not a criticism or personal attack directed at a specific person, and it came out in the form of muttering to himself," the agency said. "However, this was an inappropriate remark in any case. We once again deeply apologize to the staff on site who may have been offended. Also, we are sincerely sorry for causing concern among fans."

Kim apologized directly to the production team immediately following the incident. WakeOne said it initially remained silent to avoid causing further trouble for the staff, believing the matter had been resolved internally.

However, the agency said the rapid spread of false rumors online prompted it to review the claims, further delaying its official response.

"Other than this issue, the various rumors circulating online are not true," the agency said, urging the public to stop spreading unconfirmed content. "Nevertheless, failing to give a prompt explanation was our company's clear lack of judgment. Kim Geonwoo is taking time away to reflect on his actions."

Following discussions with the agency, Kim stepped away from the group. He will miss upcoming promotional appearances, including planned fan concerts. ALPHA DRIVE ONE will temporarily promote as a seven-member act, though WakeOne said that some prerecorded broadcasts and content featuring Kim may still be released as scheduled.

WakeOne promised to review its communications and overall artist management system.

"We will continuously strengthen education and support for our artists so that similar cases do not recur," the agency said.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.