It has been revealed that 'Boys Planet' participants Kim Gun-woo and Kang Woo-jin were affiliated with Wake One.
On the 21st, Wake One announced through their official website, “Kim Gun-woo and Kang Woo-jin, who are currently participating in 'Boys Planet' in a personal capacity, are currently trainees under Wake One.”
Kim Gun-woo is from the Planet K center of 'Boys Planet', and Kang Woo-jin gained attention for singing BoA's 'Atlantis Princess'. Although the two were introduced as individual trainees on the show, it has been revealed that they are actually trainees under Wake One.
Wake One explained, “Kim Gun-woo was in the process of applying for the program and undergoing evaluations before signing the trainee contract with Wake One,” adding, “Since he was already preparing to participate in the program as an individual, it was difficult for him to join the existing Wake One trainees as a team due to scheduling issues.”
Regarding Kang Woo-jin, they stated, “He was a trainee aiming to become a singer-songwriter at Wake One,” and noted, “There was a difference in musical concepts compared to the existing trainees who were preparing for the program, and he had no experience in professional idol training. Therefore, we judged that it was more appropriate for him to participate as an individual rather than as part of the Wake One team.”
Wake One expressed, “We sincerely apologize for causing confusion and concern to the program's production team, viewers, and fans,” and announced that they would terminate the trainee contracts with both individuals through mutual agreement. Accordingly, Kim Gun-woo and Kang Woo-jin will continue to participate in the program in a personal capacity, just as they did when they first applied.
However, Wake One stated that they would assist in responding to the recent allegations of bullying against Kim Gun-woo. They said, “Although the trainee contract has ended, we plan to take active measures against any false claims related to trainee Kim Gun-woo.”
Below is the full statement from Wake One
Hello, this is Wake One.
We are providing our position as there have been ongoing posts regarding our company and affiliated trainees, particularly in online communities.
Kim Gun-woo and Kang Woo-jin, who are participating in 'Boys Planet' in a personal capacity, are currently trainees under Wake One.
Trainee Kim Gun-woo was in the process of applying for the program and undergoing evaluations before signing the trainee contract with Wake One.
Since he was already preparing to participate in the program as an individual, it was difficult for him to join the existing Wake One trainees as a team. Therefore, we decided to have him participate as an individual after consulting with him.
Trainee Kang Woo-jin was a trainee aiming to become a singer-songwriter at Wake One.
There was a difference in musical concepts compared to the existing trainees who were preparing for the program, and he had no experience in professional idol training. Therefore, we judged that it was more appropriate for him to participate as an individual rather than as part of the Wake One team.
This decision was made considering the individuality and musical concepts of each trainee, but we sincerely apologize for causing confusion and concern to the program's production team, viewers, and fans.
This matter is entirely Wake One's responsibility, and we believe that the challenges faced by the two trainees should be respected.
After a long and in-depth discussion for responsible decision-making, Wake One has decided to terminate the trainee contracts with Kim Gun-woo and Kang Woo-jin through mutual agreement. Both participants will continue to participate as individuals, just as they did when they first applied for the program.
However, we deeply reflect on the fact that we did not fulfill our duty of care as their agency when trainee Kim Gun-woo participates in the program as an individual. Therefore, while the trainee contract has ended, we will take active measures against any false claims related to trainee Kim Gun-woo.
Once again, we sincerely apologize for causing disappointment and concern due to this incident.
In the future, we will do our best to maintain the trust of artists and fans with a more careful and responsible attitude.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
