Wk structure of A SU(2)-level k from covariant construction of Kac-Moody algebras

The W_k structure underlying the transverse realization of affine SU(2) at level k is analyzed. The extension of the equivalence existing between the covariant and light-cone gauge realization of an affine Kac-Moody algebra to W_k algebras is given. Higher spin generators are extracted by the less singular terms in the operator product expansion of the parafermions constructed by means of the projection of the covariant on the light-cone gauge. These fields can be written in terms of only one free boson compactified on a circle.