ALPHA DRIVE ONE member Geonwoo has filed a lawsuit against his agency WAKEONE, seeking a court ruling on the validity of his exclusive contract and his contractual status as an artist. The news broke on October 25, months after the idol stepped back from group activities in April.
Geonwoo (Credits: Soompi)
Geonwoo Sues WAKEONE Over Exclusive Contract
According to reports, Geonwoo is asking the court to determine whether his exclusive contract with WAKEONE remains valid, and to clarify exactly where he stands contractually as an artist. The filing marks a dramatic escalation in a saga that has kept the singer on the sidelines for more than six months.
WAKEONE responded briefly to the reports, declining to go into detail. A representative of the agency stated that because legal proceedings on the matter are currently ongoing, it is difficult to comment on specific details, and asked for understanding.
Why Geonwoo Went on Hiatus in April
Geonwoo debuted in January as a member of ALPHA DRIVE ONE, the project group formed through the survival show BOYS II PLANET. But by spring, his young career had run into trouble. Industry figures accused the idol of offensive remarks and poor attitude behind the scenes, accounts that spread quickly online and drew heavy criticism.
One incident in particular became a flashpoint: reports claimed that while filming content before the group’s debut, Geonwoo complained about a staff member using inappropriate language, unaware that his microphone was still on. The controversy snowballed, and in April, Geonwoo temporarily halted all activities.
Since then, ALPHA DRIVE ONE has continued promoting as a seven-member group, carrying on without one of its original members while fans have waited for news of his return.
What Happens Next for Geonwoo and ALPHA DRIVE ONE
Contract disputes between K-pop idols and their agencies are rarely quick, and the outcome here could reshape both Geonwoo’s career and the group’s lineup. If the court sides with Geonwoo, he could walk away from WAKEONE; if it upholds the contract, his future will remain tied to the agency that put him on hiatus.
For now, neither side is saying more, and fans are left watching the courts for the next development in a story that has already stretched across most of 2026.
Also Read: ALPHA DRIVE ONE Drops Teasers for New Digital Single ‘Talk to me,’ Out October 22
Source: Soompi — read the full story there.
