Continuous Exposure of Unethical Practices in the Entertainment Industry...Scandals Over Abuse by New Members and Slave Contracts

Concerns over unethical practices within the entertainment industry continue to rise. Scandals involving abuse by members of new groups and revelations of slave contracts by internet broadcasters have emerged one after another, drawing criticism from fan communities and society at large.

Kim Geon-woo, a member of Alpha Drive One, made his Debut on January 12 with the release of his mini 1st album “EUPHORIA.” However, he became embroiled in controversy when an online accusation alleging that he had abused a broadcaster was posted that same month. Both his agency, Wake One, and Kim Geon-woo remained silent for about two months, during which time fans launched a campaign demanding a statement from the agency along with a boycott.

On April 8, Wake One finally issued an official statement. The agency admitted to the inappropriate remarks made on set, explaining that Kim Geon-woo expressed his dissatisfaction using unsuitable language without realizing the microphone was on. It stated that such remarks were not directed at any specific person as an insult or personal attack but rather appeared as self-talk. As a consequence, Wake One announced an indefinite suspension of Kim Geon-woo’s activities, removing him from planned fan concerts and future projects. Kim Geon-woo apologized in a handwritten letter, saying, “My immature words and actions caused concern and disappointment to many people. I am once again sorry to everyone who was hurt by this incident.”

Yet, the reaction from fans remained cold. On April 14, a statement posted on the campaign page run by some members of Alpha Drive One’s fandom, ALLYZ, demanded that Wake One immediately propose the only real solution—expulsion rather than an indefinite suspension. Fans criticized Wake One’s response as insufficient to address the core issue and as lacking in accountability. They emphasized that a suspension is merely a temporary measure assuming the possibility of a return and cannot serve as a fundamental solution to restore damaged trust.

Fans demanded that Kim Geon-woo be expelled from the group, legal action taken against those spreading harmful rumors about the other members, and a overhaul of the management system. They also warned that they would resume the boycott if expulsion was not carried out or if there were signs of his return. Currently, Alpha Drive One is active as a seven-member group consisting of Rio, Junseo, Arno, Sangwon, Sinlong, Anshin, and Sanghyun, with a fan concert tour titled “STAR ROAD” scheduled to begin in June.

Criticism has intensified further after it was confirmed that Kim Geon-woo had faced previous controversies over his character during his appearance on Mnet’s variety show “Boys 2 Planet” last year and while he was a Trainee at Agency B.

Meanwhile, internet broadcaster Young Berry exposed allegations of slave contracts related to Excel Broadcasting on his YouTube channel on April 14. He claimed that he joined Excel Broadcasting on PanderTV at the recommendation of an entertainment industry official, but the broadcasting environment turned out to be very different from what had been promised at the time of the contract.