Alpha Drive One member Geonwoo has reportedly filed a lawsuit against his agency, WakeOne, asking a court to clarify his contractual status after about six months on hiatus.
According to local media reports on Sunday, the suit seeks to clarify his rights and obligations under his exclusive contract, rather than necessarily terminate it. The dispute is believed to center on his future with the group, from which he has been on an indefinite hiatus since April.
Geonwoo suspended activities following a hot-mic controversy involving production staff during filming. WakeOne said at the time that he had used profanity while expressing frustration but denied that his remarks were intended as personal attacks against a staff member.
Geonwoo later issued a handwritten apology, saying the incident made him realize how “foolish” his actions were and promising to act more responsibly.
Recent reports suggested that Geonwoo had repeatedly expressed his desire to return to the group, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement.
In a statement released Sunday, WakeOne said it had discussed various options for Geonwoo’s future activities, including specific schedules and content. However, “differences emerged between the two sides during such discussions, leading to legal proceedings.”
The agency added that Alpha Drive One would continue its scheduled activities with the seven members currently promoting.
“We will continue to support the currently active seven members so that they can focus on their music and stages in a stable environment, and we will do our best to ensure that scheduled activities continue without disruption,” WakeOne said, adding that it would “continue communicating with Geonwoo” about his future entertainment activities.
Alpha Drive One was formed through Mnet’s 2025 audition program “Boys II Planet” and debuted as an eight-member group on Jan. 12 with its first EP, “Euphoria.” The group released its second EP, “Unbreakable: Beast,” in August and its digital single “Talk to Me” on Oct. 22.
lee.jungjoo@heraldcorp.com
