Can girl group FIFTY FIFTY (Sio, Saena, Aran, Keena) turn negative public opinion around?
On July 5th, the first trial was held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul regarding the application for injunction to suspend the validity of exclusive contracts filed by FIFTY FIFTY against their agency Attrakt.
FIFTY FIFTY members applied for injunction to suspend the validity of exclusive contracts on June 19th. According to the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS), FIFTY FIFTY’s Korean name was applied for trademark rights on the same day. Prior to this, the agency Attrakt completed the registration of the English group name FIFTY FIFTY trademark on May 15th, so it is unlikely that the members’ application will be accepted.
▲ Members “Can’t accept settlement statement of zero revenue” vs agency “Corrected outsourcing company’s mistake”
FIFTY FIFTY claimed that they could no longer continue exclusive contracts due to the breakdown of their trust relationship with the agency. FIFTY FIFTY’s legal representative Barun Law Firm cited a total of 3 reasons for requesting the termination of exclusive contracts (violation of the obligation to provide settlement data transparently and faithfully, violation of the members’ physical and mental health care obligations, and lack of support for entertainment activities).
The members particularly emphasized the issue of financial statements, pointing out the omission of revenue related to their album for 4 months. The agency later provided a detailed statement, unlike the previous one, which stated zero revenue.
The members also raised suspicions about the use of a 9 billion won advance payment from online music distributor Interpark, claiming that the payment was directed to StarCrew Ent instead of Attrakt. The agency refuted these claims, stating that they were intentional distortions or significant misunderstandings and explaining that StarCrew Ent was a company previously operated by Attrakt’s CEO. The agency further clarified that the omission of revenue in the initial statement was a mistake by outsourcing company (The Givers) and provided a corrected statement.
▲ Criticism of “ungratefulness” continues after the first trial, will FIFTY FIFTY be able to restore their image?
The truth behind conflicting arguments regarding financial statements, delayed transfer of ownership, advance payment and business transfer contract are expected to be revealed through additional data requested by the court.
However, regarding the members’ claims of their agency’s poor physical and mental health management and lack of support for their activities, the criticism and skepticism from industry insiders, K-pop fans and netizens continue. The members have yet to provide clear evidence to support these claims, and it is expected that they will need to present solid evidence during the upcoming trial.
On the other hand, Attrakt only revealed the surgery for the recovery of FIFTY FIFTY members’ health, without disclosing the specific illness. They also provided rest periods and have not forced any excessive activities.
Attrakt announced through FIFTY FIFTY’s official fan cafe on May 2nd that, regarding Aran’s health condition during “Cupid” promotions, she was feeling uncomfortable during dance rehearsals, so she was taken to the hospital for diagnosis and precise examination. Although treatment was received during activities, based on recent precise examination results, a specialist’s opinion was received stating that surgery was necessary for a swift recovery.
The company stated, “The surgery has been successfully completed, and the artist is currently resting. We will prioritize the medical team’s opinion and the artist’s recovery and proceed with future activities.”
The most controversial issue receiving significant attention is FIFTY FIFTY members’ claim of the agency’s lack of support.
Jeon Hong Joon, the CEO and founder of Attrakt, attracted a prepayment of approximately 9 billion won from Interpark, despite being a newly formed agency.
After the release of FIFTY FIFTY’s debut album ‘THE FIFTY’ in November of last year, which ended with little attention, he even disposed of his own car and watch that he owned for a long time to contribute to the album production costs.
Additionally, he invested approximately 1 billion won to produce not only a MV for the title track but also MVs for the other songs. He also provided training fees to improve FIFTY FIFTY members’ insufficient singing and dancing skills. Attrackt also reportedly rented an apartment in Gangnam, Seoul, worth around 3.3 million won per month (with three bedrooms and two bathrooms) to provide a comfortable environment for the members to rest.
Attrakt responded through their legal representative, “The members raise doubts about Attrakt’s ability, but we have invested approximately 8 billion won. We poured all of Attrakt’s assets and even borrowed funds from the CEO’s mother. It is excessive to make claims based on speculations that ignore the fact that we invested a significant amount of money, around 8 billion won, and to say that we have no ability.” They also said that they hope for a smooth agreement with FIFTY FIFTY members for their return and resumption of activities.
While FIFTY FIFTY members raised doubts about Attrakt and the CEO’s capabilities, the support from Attrakt, led by the viral strategy focused on platforms such as TikTok, in fact played a significant role in the success of FIFTY FIFTY’s songs and successfully boosted the group’s recognition.
The digital single ‘Cupid’ released in February this year gained massive popularity as background music among TikTok users in various countries, including North America. Since entering the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 100 in March, it has steadily risen, setting a record as the longest-charting K-pop girl group song, surpassing BLACKPINK, and the fastest record previously held by NewJeans.
‘Cupid’ also entered the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100 for 13 consecutive weeks, surpassing the previous record for the highest charting K-pop girl group. Amid FIFTY FIFTY’s ongoing conflict with Attrakt, ‘Cupid’ ranked No. 24 on the latest Hot 100 chart (as of July 8th).
After the first court hearing, the majority of K-pop fans have been criticizing FIFTY FIFTY members instead of the agency. K-pop fans who have watched FIFTY FIFTY’s music show stages and performances find it difficult to see the members’ outstanding or irreplaceable musical talents, star quality, or potential, despite the agency investing billions of won and the CEO even using personal assets to produce their album.
It does not make sense for FIFTY FIFTY to suddenly undermine the agency’s capabilities that contributed to their unprecedented achievement of entering the Billboard main chart within just four months of debut.
The fact that they were able to participate in the OST for the movie “Barbie” and receive an offer to perform at the large-scale K-pop concert “K-CON LA 2023” can be seen as a result accompanied by the agency’s material and personnel support rather than solely based on the members’ abilities.
When FIFTY FIFTY started going viral overseas, the agency also held a press conference on April 13th in Gangnam, Seoul, with the purpose of promoting the members and their music to domestic K-pop fans and the Korean general public.
However, during the press conference, FIFTY FIFTY didn’t perform live properly, making it difficult to gauge their exact vocal abilities. Their dancing skills were not at an advanced level either.
Seemingly aware of public opinion questioning their intentions, FIFTY FIFTY members, through their attorney, stated, “The members did not raise the issue with the intention of demanding money or needing it urgently. There is a misunderstanding. The members have been dealing with various speculations and criticisms, but they want to clarify that it is not the case at all. The trust relationship between the members and the agency has reached a point where they can no longer continue the exclusive contract,” emphasizing that they will request a specific disclosure of how the investment funds were used.
The members avoided commenting on the rumors of Warner Music Korea’s acquisition or trademark applications by saying, “We don’t know.“
Source: Daum
