On the morning of the 14th, IOK’s stock price fell to the low 8,000 won range, continuing a downward trend for the third consecutive day. Shareholders’ reactions have been overwhelmingly negative. Some shareholders have criticized the three members as “traitors” and expressed strong dissatisfaction with IOK’s decision to recruit individuals who they believe betrayed their previous company, Attract, and Fifty Fifty.
There is also criticism from within the industry and K-pop fans regarding IOK and the three members’ actions. It is argued that IOK is interfering with Fifty Fifty’s career and sabotaging the upcoming debut of Fifty Fifty’s second generation, known as “NEW Fifty Fifty,” which is set for September.
IOK’s approach has been criticized for mishandling the situation from the start. IOK presented Saena, Aran, and Sio’s re-debut and exclusive contracts in a way that appeared to appropriate Fifty Fifty’s career achievements as their own. They emphasized that Saena played a key role in the success of the hit song “Cupid” and that Aran and Sio contributed significantly to both domestic and global success.
However, “Cupid” is unequivocally a Fifty Fifty hit, and the fact that the three members left Fifty Fifty and are now involved in this controversy over their career achievements has led to accusations that IOK’s press release was highly inappropriate. While re-contracts and activity resumptions are understandable, using Fifty Fifty’s achievements as promotional tools has been deemed excessive.
Additionally, there is speculation about the timing of this announcement, suggesting malicious intent. NEW Fifty Fifty is set for a formal comeback on September 20 and is preparing for a pre-release track in August. With the introduction of new members Hana, Athena, Moon Chanel, and Yewon, IOK’s timing of the contract announcement and activity preview has been perceived by some fans as an attempt to undermine NEW Fifty Fifty’s promotion.
The negative public sentiment has affected the three members as well. Saena, Aran, and Sio have made their newly created SNS accounts private within three days of opening them, due to numerous comments criticizing their actions.
