FIFTY FIFTY’s Agency ATTRAKT Accuses Former Members and Warner Music Korea of Tampering... Legal Action Announced

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The agency of K-pop group FIFTY FIFTY, ATTRAKT, has accused former members and Warner Music Korea of tampering (attempting to poach artists) and announced plans to take legal action.

This signals a new chapter in the legal dispute between FIFTY FIFTY and their agency, which began in June last year.

On the 13th, ATTRAKT released an official statement claiming,

"We have gathered all legal evidence proving that Warner Music Korea, The Givers, and former FIFTY FIFTY members Aran, Saena, and Sio colluded to violate their exclusive contracts and engaged in tampering."

The agency further emphasized,

"We have secured audio recordings from meetings held on May 13, May 17, and June 6, 2023, among other evidence."

According to ATTRAKT, these "tampering forces" followed the plan discussed in the audio recordings and filed a lawsuit on June 19, 2023, to suspend the effectiveness of the exclusive contracts with the agency.

The agency insisted that the reasons for the lawsuit, including claims of mismanagement of the members’ health, lack of support, and issues with payment, were proven false through the court proceedings.

ATTRAKT specifically pointed to Warner Music Korea as the "main culprit" of the tampering, accusing the company of trying to illegally steal their artists using "the logic of money and power."
The agency vowed to resist and fight against this "giant corporation."

While recognizing the importance of global label partnerships for the sustainable growth of K-pop,

ATTRAKT expressed regret over the involvement of a major company like Warner Music Korea in such an "unfortunate incident."

The agency stated, "We are considering legal actions against Warner Music Korea from today onwards and will hold all those involved in this tampering fully accountable."

FIFTY FIFTY debuted as a four-member group in November 2022, but a legal dispute erupted in June of the following year when the members filed a lawsuit to suspend the validity of their contracts with ATTRAKT.

The lawsuit was dismissed, and only Kina has returned to the group.
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The remaining three members (Aran, Saena, and Sio) signed exclusive contracts with the label MassivVnC under IOK Company on September 12.

Industry insiders have offered various opinions on the situation.

One remarked, "Disputes between idol groups and agencies are common, but it is quite unusual for tampering accusations involving a major global music company to surface."

Another expert noted,

"This incident could expose structural problems within the K-pop industry, highlighting the complex issues of protecting artists' rights, the interests of agencies, and the collaborative relationships with global music companies."

With ATTRAKT’s recent statement, the legal battle surrounding FIFTY FIFTY is expected to become even more complicated.

The involvement of a global music giant like Warner Music Korea in tampering accusations could have significant repercussions throughout the K-pop industry, making the outcome of this case closely watched.

The resolution of this dispute could set an important precedent for future relationships between K-pop artists, their agencies, and global music companies.

Industry experts believe this case underscores the need for systemic reforms to ensure the healthy development of the K-pop industry.