Fifty Fifty's agency files W20 bil. lawsuit against Warner Music Korea

Fifty Fifty, reformed as a five-piece act, performs during a media showcase in celebration of its new album release at Yes24 Live Hall, Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul, Sept. 20. Yonhap

K-pop agency ATTRAKT filed a 20 billion won ($14.4 million) lawsuit against former and current executives of Warner Music Korea, accusing the company of poaching former members of its girl group, Fifty Fifty, before their contracts ended.

ATTRAKT said Wednesday in a statement it was suing Warner Music Korea's former CEO, Clayton Jin, and current executive director, Yoon Hyung-geun, over allegations that they unlawfully approached three former members of Fifty Fifty to persuade them to leave the group.

The agency says that Warner Music Korea played a critical role in contract disputes with the group.

"Warner Music Korea, in collaboration with the former members' parents, held a meeting on tampering at their headquarters on May 17, 2023," ATTRAKT said. "We have secured key evidence related to this incident."

It noted that Warner Music Korea's actions caused "enormous damage" to the company. "We will hold those responsible fully accountable for these illegal acts," the agency added.

ATTRAKT's CEO, Jeon Hong-jun, also criticized Warner Music Korea's actions, calling them an "unforgivable act" by a major record label.

"It is outrageous that Warner Music, one of the world's top three record companies, attempted to steal away the artists of a small Korean agency. The actual damages are likely higher, and we plan to increase the compensation beyond the initial 20 billion won," Jeon said.

K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty was originally comprised of four members, Saena, Sio, Keena and Aran. Courtesy of ATTRAKT

Fifty Fifty debuted in November 2022 as a four-member group and quickly gained global attention when their song "Cupid," released in February 2023, reached No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

However, the group's activities came to an abrupt halt in June 2023, when all four of its members — Saena, Aran, Sio and Keena — requested the termination of their contracts with ATTRAKT, sparking a legal battle. The members cited unfair treatment and unpaid earnings as reasons for their legal action.

With the court dismissing the case, Keena later withdrew her lawsuit and reconciled with the label in October last year, while the other three members filed an appeal. The three were then removed from both the group and the agency.

Fifty Fifty has since been restructured into a five-member group, welcoming new members Chanelle Moon, Yewon, Hana and Athena, alongside original member Keena. Following the release of its new album "Love Tune" last month, the group is preparing for a U.S. tour in November that will stop in eight cities.

Meanwhile, Saena, Aran and Sio have signed exclusive contracts with MASSIVE E&C and are expected to debut as a separate group later this year.