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The K-pop world hardly ever stays put, and when agencies transfer, it usually means there’s more going on than just a new contract.So, WAKEONE officially said on February 9, 2026, that ZEROBASEONE members Seok Matthew and Park Gunwook both signed exclusive deals with them.
So, everyone’s calling it the Seok Matthew and Park Gunwook’s Transfer, but it wasn’t some spur-of-the-moment thing. It was definitely a new chapter that folks had planned out.Everyone involved talked things over. There was trust, and everyone agreed on the plans for the future. So, this move really shows how K-pop artists today are looking for things like a steady career, reaching fans all over the world, and building something that lasts.
Understanding the Seok Matthew Park Gunwook Wake One Transfer
WAKEONE let everyone know that the exclusive contracts are done. They got everything sorted after talking things through with the artists’ old agencies, MNH Entertainment for Seok Matthew and Jellyfish Entertainment for Park Gunwook.
We talked about:
- What’s next
- Thinking about your career way out into the future.
- This has real growth potential, it’s not just some fleeting trend.
You know, instead of any big drama or disagreement, Seok Matthew Park Gunwook moving to Wake One really seems like everyone agreed it was a good idea, and they handled it all so smoothly.In the K-pop world right now, those little things truly make a difference.
Why Wake One Became the Right Choice
WAKEONE really took their time with this one.The company looked at where both artists were headed and how much they could grow before making any decisions, based on what they said publicly.
Wake One said it plans to:
- Make it a place where people feel secure and supported in their work.
- We’re here to help you grow in your career for the long haul.
- Let’s give these artists a chance to grow past just the usual idol stuff.
That promise really fits with Wake One’s vibe, you know, how they’re known for handling artists who do both idol group stuff and go solo.
Wake One’s Official Statement Explained
In its announcement, WAKEONE shared a message that was firm yet reassuring:
“We are very happy to welcome Seok Matthew and Park Gunwook as new colleagues. We will give full support so they can continue their long-term career growth in a more stable environment.”
This statement highlights two key ideas:
- Stability over short-term hype
- Career longevity instead of fast turnover
For fans who worry about sudden agency changes, this clarity helped calm speculation quickly.
ZEROBASEONE’s Journey Since 2023
Since their debut in 2023, Seok Matthew and Park Gunwook have built strong reputations as fifth-generation K-pop representatives.
They proved their presence through:
- Consistent domestic success
- Growing international recognition
- Strong performance and stage control
Industry observers often note that both artists bring different strengths. Matthew’s global appeal pairs well with Gunwook’s performance intensity. That contrast makes their joint transfer even more interesting.
No Conflict, No Controversy — Just Planning
Unlike many agency changes that spark rumors, the Seok Matthew Park Gunwook Wake One transfer avoided controversy altogether.
Why? Because:
- Former agencies were involved in discussions
- The transfer followed legal and professional procedures
- All parties agreed on the future direction
In K-pop, silence often signals conflict. Here, transparency signaled trust.
What This Means for ZEROBASEONE as a Group
Importantly, this transfer does not signal instability for ZEROBASEONE.
Wake One already manages:
- ZEROBASEONE
- Jo Yu-ri
- Kim Jae-hwan
- izna
- ALPHA DRIVE ONE
That existing relationship helps maintain organizational continuity rather than disruption. For group activities, it may even simplify coordination instead of complicating it.
Expanding Beyond Music: Variety and Global Content
Fans familiar with Matthew and Gunwook know they already show strength beyond music. In 2025, the duo hosted a Japanese variety program, ZEROBASEONE’s All-Round Office, on Lemino, NTT Docomo’s OTT platform.
The show allowed them to:
- Act as MCs
- Work with rotating guest “interns”
- Fulfill fan-requested missions
Both artists expressed excitement and comfort working together, showing natural chemistry outside the stage. That experience likely influenced Wake One’s confidence in their versatility.
Why This Transfer Makes Business Sense
From a strategic angle, the Seok Matthew Park Gunwook Wake One transfer checks all the right boxes:
- Artist branding stays intact
- Management alignment improves
- Global expansion becomes smoother
Wake One’s optimized label system focuses on customized management, rather than one-size-fits-all promotions. That structure fits artists who already possess established fanbases.
Fans’ Reactions: Calm, Curious, and Optimistic
Interestingly, fan reactions leaned more toward curiosity than concern. Many fans welcomed:
- Clear communication
- Absence of rumors
- Continued group activities
Instead of asking “what went wrong,” fans asked “what comes next?” That shift reflects growing maturity within K-pop fandom culture.
What’s Next Under Wake One?
According to official announcements, Seok Matthew and Park Gunwook will:
- Continue meeting global fans
- Participate in various activities under Wake One
- Expand their career paths gradually
Wake One did not announce dramatic changes or sudden rebranding. That restraint signals confidence rather than hesitation.
Sometimes, the smartest move is not changing everything at once.
The Bigger Picture: Fifth-Generation K-Pop Evolution
The Seok Matthew Park Gunwook Wake One transfer shows what’s generally happening in the industry. Fifth-generation idols are really something else.
- Try to plan things out for the long haul in an organized way.
- We really appreciate stable environments.
- It’s a good idea to start looking into content from all over the world pretty early on.
Instead of just going for quick viral hits, agencies are now looking to build careers that stick around much longer than just a first album or project.
Final Thoughts: A Move Built on Logic, Not Noise
It’s pretty rare in this industry, which is usually full of surprises, but the move of Seok Matthew Park Gunwook to Wake One really went smoothly and had a very clear reason behind it.
No fuss.
Take your time. Don’t feel pressured to make a quick choice.
It is simply a matter of professionals lining up their futures.
For fans, it just means things will keep getting better. For Wake One, they’ll be making an already good team even better.For Matthew and Gunwook, they are now stepping into the next part of their careers feeling really clear and sure about things.
Sometimes, the smartest moves are the quietest, and this move shows that perfectly.
