Is the conflict due to the members' voluntary demands or instigated by a third party?

SBS investigative program "The Truth" (referred to as "The Truth") is spotlighting the ongoing turmoil surrounding the girl group FIFTY FIFTY. On August 12th, the producers of "The Truth" announced at the end of the episode that they would be broadcasting a special segment on the conflict between FIFTY FIFTY and their current agency on the 19th.

The episode is titled "Billboard and the Girl Group - Who Clipped Their Wings?" The teaser featured what appeared to be an interview with representatives from the Attrakt agency and FIFTY FIFTY. As expected, the perspectives of both parties were sharply divided.

A representative from Attrakt claimed there were "odd circumstances trying to steal the girls away." Attrakt has been accusing An Seong-il, CEO of The Givers and producer of FIFTY FIFTY's debut song 'Cupid', of being behind these hostile efforts. An Seong-il has denied all allegations.

While Attrakt openly identified their representative, the woman believed to be from FIFTY FIFTY's side was kept anonymous. She raised doubts about the agency's claims, questioning the use of provocative terms like "external forces" and "gaslighting."

Last month, "The Truth" production team made a call on their official SNS for insiders familiar with a girl group's recent contract dispute or the idol industry in general. As anticipated, this was referring to FIFTY FIFTY. They stated that they began their investigation out of curiosity about why FIFTY FIFTY, who gained international fame and was dubbed "a miracle of a lesser-known group", wanted to terminate their contract.

All four members of FIFTY FIFTY filed to suspend their exclusive contract just seven months after their debut, on June 19. They claim Attrakt did not fulfill their contractual obligations, such as transparent financial settlements. During the first trial on the 5th in Seoul Central District Court, opinions of both parties were at loggerheads.

Attrakt claimed that CEO An Seong-il lured the members into suing the agency and filed a complaint against him and three others. Additionally, Attrakt alleged that An secretly acquired the copyright for 'Cupid' without providing information to the agency during the purchasing process. There have been reports suggesting that An even forged signatures in this process.

Currently, the agency and the members are still in disagreement regarding the suspension of their contract. A court hearing on the 11th, which involved member Sae-na and Aran's mother along with Attrakt management, ended without a consensus.

The court recommended both parties meet directly by the 16th to find common ground. This meeting would be a procedure to encourage agreement before further legal proceedings. If no agreement is reached, the trial resumes.

The music industry believes that it's unlikely for both parties to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. Reportedly, including Attrakt's CEO Jeon Hong-jun, none of the staff members have been able to meet with the group members for several months.

According to Attrakt, the agency requested multiple meetings with the members through The Givers, who previously managed the members, but all requests were rejected. Currently, communication between the two parties only takes place through their legal representatives.

Though Attrakt has publicly stated they are "waiting for the members to get in touch," there has been no direct communication. With neither a meeting nor even basic communication taking place, all eyes are on the 19th episode of "The Truth" to see if it might be a turning point in this situation.

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