Boy Group Idol’s Handwritten Apology Backfires And Sparks “Leave The Group” Demands

A handwritten apology from ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s Kim Geonwoo has sparked strong backlash from Korean netizens following news that he will suspend activities over recent attitude controversies.

Wake One issued a statement on April 8, explaining the incident Kim Geonwoo has been embroiled in and announcing that the idol will be suspended from group activities indefinitely.

Male K-Pop Idol Suspends Activities Following Attitude Controversies

After the statement, Kim Geonwoo personally shared a handwritten apology letter. In the letter, Kim Geonwoo apologized to fans, members, and staff, admitting his “immature words and actions” caused harm and disappointment. He also also promised to reflect deeply, take responsibility, and return as a more mature person.

“First, I would like to sincerely apologize to the fans who support us, my fellow AlphaDriveOne members who always work hard alongside me, and all the staff on site and behind the scenes who put in so much effort for us.

Because of my immature words and actions, I caused concern to many people and showed a disappointing side of myself. I would like to once again apologize to everyone who was hurt by this incident. I do not take for granted the great love I have received from before my debut until now.

Even so, I am disappointed in myself and deeply regret that, due to my own shortcomings, I acted in a way that went against my promise to repay the support of my fans.Through this incident, I have come to deeply realize how foolish my actions were and how lacking I am as a person.

From now on, I will act with a sense of responsibility at every moment, and I will reflect deeply and be more careful to ensure that something like this never happens again. I will take time to reflect on myself and do my best to return as a more mature person.

Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone. I am truly sorry.”

— Kim Geonwoo

Despite the apology, reactions from netizens have been far from forgiving. Many questioned both his sincerity and the agency’s decision to keep him in the group.

• “They’re really sticking with him even after all this.”
• “So he’s just going to wait a while, drop a quick apology, and call it a day?”
• “They’re really keeping him, huh.”
• “Leave the group. Who would even welcome you?”
• “You’re coming back?”
• “Come back? Come back to what lolololol. The boycott’s already over anyway.”
• “‘So I can return as a more mature person.’ He’s being self-centered to the very end lol”