ATTRAKT Takes Legal Action Against Warner Music Korea Over FIFTY FIFTY Contract Tampering

Sio, Saena, and Aran (from left). Photo courtesy = IOK Company

ATTRAKT, the agency representing the group FIFTY FIFTY, has announced legal action in response to allegations involving three former members of the group (Saena, Sio, and Aran).

ATTRAKT has obtained legal evidence as of the 13th, indicating that Warner Music Korea, The Givers, and the former members of FIFTY FIFTY (Aran, Saena, and Sio) conspired to breach exclusive contracts and attempt tampering to do so.

Concrete evidence includes audio recordings from May 13, May 17, and June 6, 2023, and other related materials. This evidence was also mentioned in a Dispatch article published on September 11, 2024. These tampering parties filed a provisional injunction against ATTRAKT on June 19, 2023, aiming to invalidate the exclusive contracts, as discussed in the audio recordings.

Furthermore, health care issues, lack of support, and settlement disputes raised by the former members of FIFTY FIFTY have been proven false through court filings. The former members have been found to engage in illegal activities, distort facts, and mislead the public solely to terminate their contracts.

ATTRAKT stated that Warner Music Korea, the primary entity behind the tampering, attempted to unlawfully exploit their artists using financial and power leverage. ATTRAKT emphasized that they will not succumb to such corporate pressure and are committed to fighting back.

ATTRAKT will review potential legal actions against Warner Music Korea and ensure that all parties involved in the tampering are held fully accountable.

After debuting as a quartet in November 2022, FIFTY FIFTY gained global fame with their song 'Cupid,' released in February of the previous year, earning recognition as the 'Miracle of Small and Medium-Sized Dolls.' However, the four members filed a provisional injunction in June, claiming ATTRAKT had failed to provide settlement data and meet health care obligations. This injunction was rejected in August.

The members have since appealed the decision and continue to be involved in legal disputes. Member Keena has rejoined ATTRAKT following the withdrawal of her appeal and is planning a comeback with three new members on the 20th.

The remaining three members have terminated their exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT and signed with MASSIVE E&C, a label affiliated with IOK, on the 12th. They are still in legal conflict with ATTRAKT.

ATTRAKT has filed civil and criminal lawsuits against three individuals, including Ahn Seong-il, CEO of The Givers, accusing them of undermining the contractual agreements. Additionally, former members Saena, Sio, and Aran are seeking damages amounting to 13 billion won, with counterclaims from the former members also in process.

Below is the full statement from ATTRAKT:

"Hello, we are ATTRAKT, a South Korean agency.

We have obtained substantial legal evidence indicating that Warner Music Korea, The Givers, and former members of FIFTY FIFTY (Aran, Saena, and Sio) conspired to breach exclusive contracts and tamper with the terms.

We have secured audio recordings from May 13, May 17, and June 6, 2023, and additional materials related to this case. This evidence was mentioned in a Dispatch article published on September 11, 2024. These parties filed a provisional injunction against ATTRAKT on June 19, 2023, to suspend the validity of the exclusive contracts as planned in their recorded discussions.

Claims regarding health care, support, and settlement issues raised by the former members have been proven false through court proceedings. The former members have engaged in illegal activities, misrepresented facts, and deceived the public to terminate their contracts.

Warner Music Korea, the main instigator of tampering, attempted to unlawfully exploit our artists using financial and power advantages. We refuse to succumb to this undue pressure and are committed to fighting back.

Partnerships with global label companies are crucial for the growth of K-pop. We regrets that entities meant to support the development of K-pop are involved in this unfortunate situation.

We will consider legal actions against Warner Music Korea and ensure that all involved in tampering are held accountable."