Chart-topping K-pop Group FIFTY FIFTY Embroiled in a Legal Dispute: Claims of 'Disgraceful Conduct' vs 'Groundless Accusations'
The girl group FIFTY FIFTY, who soared to new heights with their Billboard Hot 100 entry, are now finding themselves in a cloud of conflict and legal dispute brewing behind their immense success.
On June 26, FIFTY FIFTY's agency Attract issued an official statement asserting that a subcontracting company and Warner Music Korea appeared to be involved in the recent attempt by external forces to poach their members. The agency has sent an evidentiary letter to Warner Music Korea, claiming, "We've captured substantial evidence that the subcontracting company approached Warner Music Korea with an offer to buy our girl group FIFTY FIFTY. We demand a precise explanation and statement of position from Warner Music Korea."
Attract previously stated, "We've confirmed the presence of external forces enticing our artists to breach their exclusive contracts with us. These external forces are engaging in illegal activities by scheming to have our artists violate valid contracts and sign with them, spreading defamatory criticisms about our company, and beautifying their own image."
In response to these allegations, Warner Music Korea immediately refuted the claims stating, "As FIFTY FIFTY's overseas distributor, we have been working with them since April 1, 2023, and have been doing our utmost to further enhance the brilliant results that FIFTY FIFTY and their agency have achieved through our efforts and networks at Warner Music Group. We deeply regret these unsavory suspicions." They further added, "Warner Music Korea has always respected the opinions of artists and their agencies and is proud of our best efforts as a global distributor. Attract's claims are baseless, and we regret that they have sent an evidentiary letter. We ask for restraint in the spread of unconfirmed rumors and speculative reporting."
FIFTY FIFTY made their debut on November 18, 2022, with the EP album 'THE FIFTY'. Their first single album 'The Beginning: Cupid', released on February 24th, shook the world with its title track 'Cupid'. FIFTY FIFTY managed to enter the Billboard Hot 100 just four months after their debut and continued to rise, showcasing their power by entering major charts on Spotify and the UK Official Singles Top 100. Their position in the Billboard Hot 100 has been consistently high, staying within the top 25 even after thirteen weeks.
Following the massive success of 'Cupid', there was a surge in production investment inquiries surrounding FIFTY FIFTY. Attract has been preparing to attract marketing investments worth billions of won. Amidst this, it has been revealed that there were no shortage of offers for investments amounting to tens of billions of won.
CEO Jeon Hong-jun of Attract kept quiet about the turmoil during this process, but it is believed that he suspected a meeting between Warner Music Korea and the background force he mentioned. Moreover, there is an opinion that this situation resembles the recent dispute between EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and SM Entertainment, given the complex interests of Attract, the members of FIFTY FIFTY, producers, and investment companies.
In a phone interview with Star News, CEO Jeon expressed his feelings about the situation saying, "I know who they (the background forces) are. It's too disturbing and disgraceful." He emphasized, "What I want to clarify is that the party I pointed out is not Warner Music Korea but the third party that had a meeting with Warner Music Korea. I just want to hear Warner Music Korea's explanation about this." CEO Jeon further explained that "We have already secured evidence and are preparing for a lawsuit through our lawyer by continuing to gather evidence."
Meanwhile, activities of the members of FIFTY FIFTY have temporarily come to a halt. Member Aran has taken a break due to health deterioration and recent surgery, requiring about two months for recovery. As a result, the other members have also been given a rest period.
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