FIFTY FIFTY, breakout K-pop group, files for provisional disposition to suspend contracts with their agency ATTRAKT

Breakout K-pop group FIFTY FIFTY, who went viral with their song ‘Cupid’ and has an upcoming song release in Barbie, has filed for provisional disposition to suspend their exclusive contracts with their agency ATTRAKT. This news follows the issues between the group and the agency.

FIFTY FIFTY, breakout K-pop group, files for provisional disposition to suspend contracts with their agency ATTRAKT

In a statement released by their law firm, the group makes grave allegations. As translated by Korean media outlet Soompi, the statement reads, “This is an announcement from law firm BARUN, the legal representative of FIFTY FIFTY’s Saena, Keena, Aran, and Sio. Through their legal representative, the four members filed an application for provisional disposition suspending the validity of their exclusive contracts to the Seoul Central District Court on June 19, and the trial is currently underway. This is due to the fact that ATTRAKT violated contract terms and took actions that resulted in the destruction of a relationship based on trust.”

“The members have not responded as the trial is underway. The legal representative pointed out several problems that have occurred until now and sent a correspondence requesting correction, but ATTRAKT is discrediting the members through continuous media coverage without attempting to explain regarding the requests, so we released this statement. Despite our young age, the four members have tried our best to think and behave independently. After sufficient discussion with our parents, we came to raise the issue with the help of our legal representative. Nevertheless, ATTRAKT is not listening to the voices of the members, saying that it was an attempt to extort the members by an external force and arbitrarily disclosing the reason for a member’s surgery without consulting with her while they are unable to clearly explain their breach of contract. The members were highly disappointed and frustrated seeing this situation,” the statement read.

They add, “The members raised issues about various circumstances in which ATTRAKT did not fulfill contractual obligations, such as non-transparent settlement and the unilateral attempt to enforce [scheduled activities] despite [the members] conveying their poor health conditions. We would like to make it clear that this is an independent decision by the four members in unison without any intervention of a third party. The members are well aware of how important this period is and are aware of the concern of many people around them. When we first started training, we were determined to become artists who could make a positive influence. We, the four members, did not go along with or maintain silence about wrongdoings. Without falsehood and without external pressure, we made this decision just to take the high road of our own.”

“At least going forward, we request that ATTRAKT does not defame the FIFTY FIFTY members anymore at least going forward. The four members just want to go back to the fans who support us as soon as possible. Even after this, we promise that we will become more independent and diligent artists,” it concluded.

Last week, ATTRAKT announced that the agency will take legal action against musical label Warner Music Korea for allegedly approaching FIFTY FIFTY for representation. The official statement read, “First, we want to express our infinite gratitude to domestic and overseas fans who have sent their generous support to our agency artists for the past few months. We are well aware that there are many fans who are worried and curious about why our agency artist is not promoting during a time they should be busily promoting. To be honest, one member developed medical symptoms so we discussed with the member and their family, and with the consent of both parties, she began treatment as directed by the doctor and underwent surgery on May 2. Following the doctor’s diagnosis that she would need over a month, and potentially two months for recovery, we halted the artists’ promotions and with our judgement that health is most important, we gave the other members a break too. During this period, we significantly expanded and improved our system and have been fully prepared to better support our artists. Rather than focus on immediate interests, it is our basic course to pursue our artists’ long-term growth and development.”

The statement further read, “However, in the midst of our diligent preparations, we identified external influences approaching our agency artists and enticing them to violate their exclusive contracts with us. Through slanderous accusations against us and glorified flattery about themselves, these external influences are committing an illegal act of inducing our agency artists to make the wrong decision to ignore their valid exclusive contracts and sign contracts with them. As this act by the external influences is an act that tramples on fans’ pure love, it can greatly damage the image and potential of these artists who only debuted seven months ago and furthermore, have a serious adverse effect on K-pop as a whole. Although we started off as a small company, we have had a dream bolder than anyone else, and despite difficult financial situations, we have overcome adversity and written new history in K-pop. Even in this moment, we are writing new history in the present tense, and fans not only domestically, but around the world, are cheering us on for that. Although we cannot contain our anger for the illegal acts of these impure external influences who are trying to extort the amazing miracle achieved by a small and powerless agency, we will respond firmly and deliberately and fight to the end without any compromise with these external influences to hold them legally liable.”

They concluded, “As we deeply reflect on admiral Yi Sun Shin’s words “Those willing to die will live no matter what, those trying to spare their lives will die no matter what,” we will fight with determination to protect our artists, who have become Korea’s valuable talent, and work even harder for their growth to repay the support of fans giving their endless love.”

However, Warner Music Korea denied these claims. In a brief statement, they said, “First, as FIFTY FIFTY’s overseas distributor, Warner Music Korea has been working [with FIFY FIFTY] since April 1, 2023. Since signing the contract, we have done our best to make the dazzling achievements of FIFTY FIFTY and their agency shine even brighter by mobilizing Warner Music Group’s abilities and network, so we are very sorry that such unfortunate suspicions were raised. Warner Music Korea has done our best as a global distributor until now while respecting the opinions of the artists and artists’ agency, and we take pride in that this is demonstrated by various achievements. ATTRAKT’s claims are groundless, and we are regretful that they have sent [us] a certification of contents. We sincerely ask you to refrain from spreading unconfirmed rumors as well as baseless and speculative reports in the future.”

FIFTY FIFTY is a 4-member girl group. The members include SAENA, ARAN, KEENA, and SIO, and their name has two meanings, the first combine themselves and their fans, the first “50” or “half” represents their fans, and the other “half” represents themselves, combining those two makes 100 or a “whole.” The second meaning is “dream world” vs. reality, with “50” representing each respective “half,” and this is meant to express the concept of their travels in between the real world full of challenges and an ideal world that’s filled with nothing but love, friendship, and happiness. With their music and concept, FIFTY FIFTY seeks to share their journey with their fans and share their personal stories through a wide spectrum of music.