Attrakt is reportedly restructuring girl group FIFTY FIFTY, with the second generation set to be comprised of 4 members centering around Keena, who returned to the agency
FIFTY FIFTY, which debuted in November last year, achieved significant success by ranking as high as No.17 on Billboard’s main single chart “Hot 100” with the single “Cupid” within just 5 months of their debut. This achievement was especially noteworthy as the group was not from a major entertainment company but a smaller agency like Attrakt. They even gained the moniker “miracle of small and medium-sized companies”.
However, their happiness was short-lived. Last June, the group faced a crisis when all four members submitted a request to the court to suspend the effect of their exclusive contracts, citing a loss of trust with the agency. Opinions regarding the situation were divided, and the court ultimately denied the request, supporting Attrakt’s CEO Jeon Hong-joon. Subsequently, Keena returned to Attrakt, bringing forth a new chapter for the group.
On October 19th, Attrakt officially announced the termination of their contracts with the members Sio, Aran and Saena. They explained, “We decided to take action as the three FIFTY FIFTY members showed no sign of reflecting on their breach of contract and correcting their wrongdoings.”
Keena claimed that The Givers’ CEO Ahn Sung-il gaslighted her in an interview. She is currently taking some time to reflect, and she returned to Seoul from her hometown Daejeon.
Why did Attrakt decide to reorganize FIFTY FIFTY for the second generation? A music industry source mentioned that comments made by Keena’s mother played a significant role in changing CEO Jeon Hong-joon’s mind. The legal request for suspending the effect of exclusive contracts was dismissed on August 28th. However, Keena’s mother had already left comments in early August indicating the intention for Keena to return. It’s not that the decision to reorganize the group followed the fact that the dismissal decision was made, but rather that Keena had already made up her mind to return, and she had been persuading the members to return from as early as July. This played a significant role in the agency’s choice to restructure the group.
Additionally, the source explained that FIFTY FIFTY’s nominations in the Top Duo/Group and Top Global K-Pop Song categories at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) contributed to CEO Jeon Hong-joon’s renewed enthusiasm for the group. The ceremony, which will be held on November 19th (local time), is likely to be held online due to the effects of the conflict between Hamas and Israel in the region. Nonetheless, Attrakt stated that Keena will attend the awards ceremony, whether it is in person or virtual, if requested.
Source: Daum
