Courtesy of Attrakt
In a move that breaks their silence, members of the K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty – Keena, Saena, Sio, and Aran – have addressed the ongoing dispute with their agency, Attrakt. The group, known for their hit single "Cupid," filed a lawsuit against Attrakt in June, seeking to suspend their exclusive contract. The members have now shared their perspective on the matter in a handwritten letter to their fans.
The controversy emerged when the group cited financial opacity and neglect of their health conditions as the impetus behind their legal action. While the court ordered mediation, Fifty Fifty opted not to settle the matter outside of court.
"We were deeply shocked by this and have been going through a tough time. Nevertheless, we believe there is a truth that needs to be uncovered despite these difficulties," the group expressed in their letter.
In their statement, Fifty Fifty members explained that their decision to pursue a lawsuit was motivated by their belief in the legal process as a means to rectify their grievances. They asserted that their intention was to rectify the issues in their relationship with the agency and protect their music.
"We had hoped that the truth would be uncovered during the trial process and our right would be guaranteed. This is something we hope for even to this day," the group wrote.
On the same day, the group also lodged a criminal complaint against Attrakt CEO Jeon Hon-joon, alleging fraud and malpractice. This step further escalates the already tense legal battle between the two parties.
Fifty Fifty initially made their mark on the music scene with their debut EP "The Fifty," which hit the shelves in November of the previous year. Their track "Cupid" has maintained a notable presence on the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive 20 consecutive weeks.
As the legal wrangling ensues, Attrakt has countered with their own legal actions. In June, the agency filed a criminal complaint against The Givers, a production company associated with Fifty Fifty, citing charges of obstruction of business, damage to electronic records, fraud, and malpractice. In July, Attrakt also lodged a criminal complaint against Ahn Sung-il, the head of The Givers and a primary music producer for Fifty Fifty's debut album, alleging embezzlement and document forgery.
The unfolding situation sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by artists navigating the competitive and demanding landscape of the K-pop industry. Amid the ongoing legal dispute, fans and industry observers await further developments in this high-stakes confrontation between Fifty Fifty and their agency, Attrakt.
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