Attrakt Agency Seeks $9.4 Million in Damages from Former Members and Associates

Courtesy of Attrakt

The first hearing in a lawsuit filed by K-pop agency Attrakt against three former members of the girl group Fifty Fifty and The Givers CEO Ahn Sung-il is scheduled for August 29, the agency announced on Thursday. Attrakt is seeking 13 billion won ($9.4 million) in damages from Saena, Sio, Aran, and their parents, along with an executive of The Givers identified by the surname Baek.

The lawsuit arises from disputes following Fifty Fifty's rapid ascent in the music industry. The group, which debuted in November 2022, quickly achieved international success with their single "Cupid." The track entered the Billboard Hot 100 just 130 days after its release, reaching a peak position of No. 17 and remaining on the chart for 25 weeks, setting a record for the longest-charting song by a K-pop girl group.
 

▲ Fifty Fifty / Courtesy of AttraktIn June 2023, Fifty Fifty filed for an injunction to terminate their exclusive contracts with Attrakt, citing concerns over non-transparent accounting practices and forced activities that compromised their health. Attrakt accused The Givers of attempting to lure the band away from their contract with Attrakt.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Attrakt, stating that the agency did not breach its duties regarding accounting transparency and health management. On August 28, the court dismissed the application for an injunction, which resulted in the members being legally bound to remain with Attrakt. The three members immediately appealed the decision.

In October, member Keena changed her legal counsel and withdrew her appeal, reconciling with Attrakt. Subsequently, Attrakt terminated the contracts of Saena, Aran, and Sio.

Attrakt has announced plans to reintroduce Fifty Fifty with Keena as the central member of a reorganized five-member lineup, scheduled for a return in September.

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Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com