The girl group FIFTY FIFTY has finally spoken up, two months after filing a request to suspend their exclusive contract with their agency, ATTRAKT, in June.

This was a long-awaited statement, as, despite various suspicions, the involved parties had maintained silence. They commented, "Many of the articles currently being reported are not factual. We hope the truth will be revealed during the trial, and our legitimate rights will be ensured." However, public reaction hasn't been entirely favorable. There's still a lack of objective evidence supporting their claims, and many feel they missed the right timing to respond. Their current situation remains precarious.

Why Now?

The four members of FIFTY FIFTY voiced their stance in a handwritten letter on the 17th, expressing apologies for the concerns caused and gratitude for the fans' continued support and patience.

They acknowledged the confusion and hurt they felt due to the media's portrayal, but why did they wait two months to give their position? During a mediation session on the 9th, the court suggested both parties should discuss the matter. However, on the 16th, FIFTY FIFTY's side declared they had no intention of returning to ATTRAKT. This was read as an outright refusal to collaborate with the agency. This decision further soured public opinion. Ahead, on the 19th, the group has an appearance scheduled on the SBS program 'Want to Know', which might reveal new statements or insights.

Why Emphasize 'Truth'?

FIFTY FIFTY emphasized the term 'truth' in their statement. They believe that once the truth is transparently revealed, fans will understand and support them more. They expect the truth to be illuminated during the trial and have been collecting evidence based on that truth. However, they have not specified what this 'truth' is. There are repeated claims from the group about missing income statements, breaches of duty to provide accurate accounting details, neglect in physical and mental health care, and lack of resources and support for their activities. To persuade the public, concrete evidence is necessary.

The group also stressed that they want corrections in their relationship with their agency, and that their decision to go to court was to protect their music.

However, as popular artists who have grown with public attention and love, their failure to provide a clear rationale for their 'inevitable choice' is regrettable. The public is eager for this 'truth', and currently, the issues raised by FIFTY FIFTY don't make it easy to tune into their perspective.

Is This a Response Considering Their Fans?

FIFTY FIFTY's statement has been widely reported in the media, but between the lines, it appears more as an appeal to their fans. They thanked their fans and everyone who has supported them, promising to repay their love with dedicated activities in the future. They seem to be arguing that to repay their fans' love, they first need to settle their relationship with ATTRAKT. However, fans haven't been entirely supportive, finding it illogical for a group, who achieved enormous success just six months after their debut, to turn against the agency that trained and debuted them.

FIFTY FIFTY seems to attribute the adverse atmosphere to the media and social media, clarifying they've restrained from commenting on their contract termination not because they accepted or acknowledged the media reports but believed that a legal battle based on facts was the right way forward.

Questions arise from this decision. After over a month of review, the court suggested 'mediation'. This was the best solution, as perceived by the judiciary. However, FIFTY FIFTY declined. It's likely because the premise of the mediation was 'maintaining the exclusive contract'.

From this perspective, it appears FIFTY FIFTY might have decided on 'terminating the exclusive contract' and then sought justification, rather than considering all available options.

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