Rigged From The Start? WAKEONE Addresses Accusations Of Lying About Their Trainees

On July 21, 2025, WAKEONE officially responded to growing online criticism and confusion surrounding two trainees, Kim Geonwoo and Kang Woojin, who are currently competing on Boys II Planet (also known as Boys Planet 2). Although the two were initially introduced as individual trainees, the agency has now confirmed that both were, in fact, under contract with WAKEONE.

Fans were surprised by the revelation, especially as the show is produced by Mnet, a CJ ENM subsidiary. CJ ENM also owns WAKEONE. This raised concerns over transparency and fairness, especially since ZEROBASEONE, a group formed through the first Boys Planet, is also managed by WAKEONE.

In its statement, WAKEONE explained that Kim Geonwoo applied to the show before officially signing his trainee contract. Since he had already started preparing for the program on his own, it was difficult to integrate him into the company’s official trainee lineup. As a result, WAKEONE decided, in agreement with Geonwoo, that he would participate in the show independently.

As for Kang Woojin, WAKEONE described him as a trainee pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter, with a musical style and concept that differed from the rest of the team. He also lacked formal idol training. For these reasons, the company determined that it made more sense for him to appear as an individual contestant as well.

WAKEONE admitted their decisions caused confusion and sincerely apologized to viewers, fans, and the show’s production staff.  After discussions, WAKEONE announced that it had officially ended its contracts with both trainees. Moving forward, Kim Geonwoo and Kang Woojin will continue on the program as individual contestants, not under WAKEONE.

“When Kim Geonwoo applied and was screened for the program, it was before his trainee contract with WAKEONE was signed. Since he had already been preparing to appear on the program as an individual, it was difficult to coordinate schedules for him to participate as part of the existing WAKEONE team. Therefore, after discussion with him, it was decided that he would appear individually. He was a trainee at WAKEONE training with the goal of becoming a singer-songwriter. His musical concept differed from that of the other trainees preparing for the program, and he had no prior experience with professional idol training. For that reason, it was deemed more appropriate for him to appear as an individual rather than as a WAKEONE trainee.

Although these decisions were made with each trainee’s individuality and musical concept in mind, we sincerely apologize for causing confusion and concern to the production team, viewers, and fans. This matter is entirely WAKEONE’s responsibility, and we believe the challenges undertaken by the two trainees deserve respect. After long and careful discussions, WAKEONE has decided to terminate the trainee contracts with Kim Geonwoo and Kang Woojin through mutual agreement. Both participants will continue their appearances as individual contestants, just as they did when first applying.

However, we deeply reflect on the fact that, once Kim Geonwoo joined the program as an individual, we failed to sufficiently fulfill our duty to protect him as his agency. Although the trainee contract has ended, we will take strong measures against any false claims regarding Kim Geonwoo. Once again, we sincerely apologize for the disappointment and concern caused. We promise to do our best to act with greater care and responsibility to maintain the trust of our artists and fans going forward.”

WAKEONE concluded by promising to be more transparent and responsible in the future, vowing to regain the trust of both their artists and fans.