Overview
- WakeOne, which issued its statement Wednesday, said Kim Geonwoo will step back from promotions and the group will continue as seven members without him, including skipping the planned fan concert.
- The agency said the issue traces to a pre-debut shoot where he muttered inappropriate words without knowing his mic was on, then apologized on site to the production team.
- Witness accounts posted online weeks after the Jan. 12 debut renewed attention on the incident and prompted the company to verify competing claims.
- Geonwoo posted a handwritten apology to fans, bandmates, and staff, calling his conduct immature and saying he will reflect before returning.
- WakeOne rejected other circulating allegations, said some pre-filmed content with him may still be released as scheduled, and pledged stronger training and a review of its artist-management and communication systems.