Girl group FIFTY FIFTY, renowned for their hit “Cupid,” recently launched a compilation album, ‘The Beginning,’ with a strategic focus on the U.S. market. This release unfolds amidst an ongoing dispute between the members and their agency, Attrakt Entertainment.
Despite the tumultuous situation, Attrakt remains optimistic about a positive resolution.
‘The Beginning’ made its debut on streaming platforms on September 22, featuring five versions of the chart-topping “Cupid.” Variations include a sped-up rendition, an English version, and a collaboration with American actress and singer Sabrina Carpenter. Notably, “Cupid” holds the distinction of being the longest-charting song by a K-pop girl group on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
The compilation, comprised of 11 songs, incorporates tracks like “Higher,” “Login,” “Lovin’ Me,” and “Tell Me” from their previous EP, ‘THE FIFTY.’
Attrakt CEO Jun Hong Joon shed light on ‘The Beginning,’ stating, “There’s no new recording. We released it as a U.S.-exclusive album. We only remixed and remastered it to resonate with the American style.”
The album’s release during the ongoing dispute captivated netizens, prompting CEO Jun to share insights into the situation. He mentioned, “Before the dispute in May, I met with the CEO of Warner Records in the U.S. and verbally agreed.
After returning to Korea in June, we believed the members would return soon and continued the project. We signed the contract in early July, and at the beginning of August, I shipped about 156,000 copies to the U.S. for distribution, and that’s the album that was unveiled on domestic streaming platforms today.”
The critical question arises: What lies ahead for FIFTY FIFTY?
In August, the group sought to terminate their exclusive contract with Attrakt, leading to a ruling by the Seoul Central District Court in favour of the agency. The court reasoned, “It’s hard to say there was a breach in providing settlement data, and it’s challenging to see sufficient evidence of neglect.
Ending the contract with The Givers is not a breach.” FIFTY FIFTY has appealed this decision.
Attrakt, in turn, accused FIFTY FIFTY of “tempering” and placed blame on the third-party production company, The Givers. In retaliation, Attrakt filed a criminal complaint against The Givers’ CEO, Ahn Sung Il, and Director Baek Moon on charges of business obstruction and electronic record destruction.
Laws should be revised to strengthen punishments in line with reality.” The future of FIFTY FIFTY remains uncertain, entwined in a legal battle that challenges industry norms.
