Fifty Fifty to find new members to continue journey with Keena

Keena of K-pop act Fifty Fifty waves at Incheon International Airport, Nov. 16, 2023, before heading to the U.S. to attend the 2023 Billboard Music Awards. Yonhap

K-pop group Fifty Fifty, acclaimed for the global hit "Cupid" last year, revealed plans to seek new members to continue the group's musical journey after a dispute between former members and its agency Attrakt.

"I'm gearing up to share more love, hoping we can walk this path together in the future," Keena, the last remaining member of the group, said in an official press release on Monday. "Once again, I'm preparing to entertain and demonstrate my hard work with Fifty Fifty's new songs."

In response, Attrakt clarified its intention to search for new members for Fifty Fifty, emphasizing that "this opportunity has been made possible by Keena's return."

The group achived great success with "Cupid," the title track from its debut single, "The Beginning: Cupid." The song was a big success on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, even making it onto Billboard's annual chart.

From left are Fifty Fifty's original members Sio, Saena, Aran and Keena. Keena is currently the last remaining member of Fifty Fifty. Yonhap

Despite the triumph, the group faced turbulence in June when the four members sought an injunction to suspend their exclusive contracts with Attrakt, claiming the company violated the terms of the contracts by failing to provide accounting data and ensure their physical and mental health.

Local courts denied the injunction request in August and a subsequent appeal two months later.

Attrakt then took decisive action by terminating all contracts with three members — Saena, Sio and Aran. It additionally filed a lawsuit seeking 13 billion won ($9.9 million) against the three members and those involved in the unjust breach of the contracts.

In contrast, Keena, who chose to return to the agency and withdrew her legal action, secured permission to resume activities as part of Fifty Fifty.

Meanwhile, the departed trio is reportedly in search of a new agency, although industry experts express skepticism about the ease of their transition.

Keena, on the other hand, continued her international pursuits in the new year, receiving the Discovery Award at the Seoul Music Awards and the Rookie Artist Award at the Golden Disc Awards.