Tag: FIFTY FIFTY

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FIFTY FIFTY Announces ‘LOVE SPRINKLE TOUR In USA’ Dates and Locations

FIFTY FIFTY is set to embark on their first-ever tour in the United States, exciting fans across the country! The dates and locations for the “LOVE SPRINKLE TOUR in USA” have been announced.

FIFTY FIFTY Reveals ‘LOVE SPRINKLE TOUR in USA’ Dates and Locations

On October 16, the group announced the dates and locations for their “LOVE SPRINKLE TOUR in USA,” which will kick off in San Francisco on November 27. The tour will take them to several major cities, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York. This marks a significant moment for FIFTY FIFTY, as they take their music to international stages and connect with their growing fanbase in the U.S.

The tour follows the release of their new EP ‘LOVE TUNE’, which features the pre-release track “Starry Night.” The comeback marks a fresh start for FIFTY FIFTY after a series of challenges and changes within the group.

Earlier this year, in June, ATTRAKT revealed that FIFTY FIFTY would be reorganized as a five-member group, with Keena being the only original member to remain. The change came after a legal dispute, where the original four members attempted to suspend their contracts with the agency. Though their request was denied, Keena eventually rejoined ATTRAKT, while the contracts of the other three members were terminated.

Meanwhile, former members Aran, Saena, and Sio are preparing for their return under the newly formed girl group ablume. Although they are set to redebut before the end of the year, the new group has not yet revealed their debut date. Stay tuned for more updates on this story in the next few weeks.

Despite the controversies, FIFTY FIFTY is moving forward with new energy, and the “LOVE SPRINKLE TOUR” will showcase their revamped lineup and fresh sound. Fans can look forward to an exciting and memorable concert experience!

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Former FIFTY FIFTY Members to Redebut as ablume

Former FIFTY FIFTY members Aran, Saena, and Sio are making a highly anticipated comeback as part of a new girl group called ablume.

Sio, Aran, and Saena to Redebut as ablume

On October 15, MASSIVE E&C, a label under NS ENM (formerly IOK Company), officially introduced ablume and launched the group’s social media platforms. This new group features the three former FIFTY FIFTY members, who signed with the label in August, marking a fresh chapter in their careers.

The name “ablume” is inspired by the German word for flower (blume), symbolizing growth and the journey of blooming. According to the group’s Instagram, “ablume” also represents how each member—Aran, Saena, and Sio—unfolds their creative potential, discovering and embracing their unique talents. These individual “colors” blend together to create the diverse and vibrant music that will define the group’s identity.

MASSIVE E&C’s CEO, Hwang Choi Han Cho, also expressed excitement over the trio’s new beginning, stating, “As Aran, Saena, and Sio reunite in this new group, we expect to showcase more diverse aspects of their talents. We are committed to providing opportunities for ablume to connect with both domestic and international fans.”

In related news, FIFTY FIFTY’s agency, ATTRAKT, previously announced plans to take legal action against Warner Music Korea following revelations of secret meetings with the group’s former members and alleged tampering. Back in September, Dispatch also released exclusive audio recordings featuring conversations between Ahn Sung Il, CEO of The Givers, and Jin Seung Young, CFO of Warner Music Korea, during meetings with FIFTY FIFTY’s former members and their parents.

Despite the legal setbacks that continue to connect Sio, Aran, and Saena to FIFTY FIFTY, fans are now eager to see what ablume will bring to the K-pop scene, with anticipation building around the group’s future activities and music releases.

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ATTRAKT to Sue Warner Music Korea Over Former FIFTY FIFTY Members’ Contracts

FIFTY FIFTY’s agency, ATTRAKT, has announced plans to take legal action against Warner Music Korea following revelations of secret meetings with the group’s former members and alleged tampering.

ATTRAKT To Pursue Legal Action Against Warner Music Korea Over Ex-FIFTY FIFTY Members’ Contract Breach

On September 11, Dispatch released exclusive audio recordings featuring conversations between Ahn Sung Il, CEO of The Givers, and Jin Seung Young, CFO of Warner Music Korea, during meetings with FIFTY FIFTY’s former members and their parents.

The recordings included disparaging remarks about ATTRAKT’s CEO, Jeon Hong Joon, as well as false claims, such as suggestions that ADOR and Min Hee Jin had made offers to Ahn Sung Il to manage a new group (both HYBE and Min Hee Jin denied these claims, with Min Hee Jin stating she does not even know Ahn Sung Il). The discussions also reportedly included strategies for helping the members break their exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT, file lawsuits, and transition to Warner Music Korea.

In response to these revelations, ATTRAKT issued a statement on September 13, revealing their intention to pursue legal action against Warner Music Korea. They accused the company of conspiring with The Givers and former FIFTY FIFTY members—Aran, Saena, and Sio—to breach their exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT.

“The claims made by the former FIFTY FIFTY members concerning health management issues, lack of support, and settlement disputes were all proven false in court. These former members committed illegal acts with the sole aim of terminating their contracts, distorting the truth, and deceiving the public,” the statement read.

“Warner Music Korea, the principal force behind this tampering, has attempted to unlawfully seize our valuable artists through the use of financial and coercive power. We will not succumb to the might of such corporate giants and are prepared to stand resolutely against these actions,” it continued.

The legal battle adds another layer to the ongoing conflict surrounding FIFTY FIFTY’s future. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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FIFTY FIFTY Drops ‘Starry Night’ Teaser Photos

FIFTY FIFTY is set to make their highly anticipated comeback as a restructured five-member group with a new single. The group has just dropped the “Starry Night” teaser photos.

FIFTY FIFTY Unveils ‘Starry Night’ Teaser Photos

The pre-release track will be part of their second mini-album, marking a new chapter for the group. The concept photos released for this comeback have captivated fans, showcasing the unique beauty of each member in stunning individual shots.

The Tumultous Road to Success for FIFTY FIFTY And Its Members

The group’s journey to this point has been marked by significant challenges. In June, ATTRAKT officially announced that FIFTY FIFTY had been reorganized as a five-member group, with Keena being the only original member to remain in the lineup. The company later announced the four new members who will be joining Keena for the September comeback.

The decision followed a tumultuous period where the four original members attempted to suspend their contracts with ATTRAKT. However, their request was denied by the Seoul Central District Court. Although all four initially planned to appeal the decision, Keena eventually withdrew her appeal and rejoined ATTRAKT in October. This led to the termination of the other three members’ contracts, paving the way for the group’s current formation.

While FIFTY FIFTY is preparing for their comeback, Saena, Aran, and Sio, three former members, have signed exclusive contracts with the newly launched label MASSIVE E&C under IOK Company. The three, who are currently set to continue taking legal action against ATTRAKT, are set to work together on a new group and currently preparing to debut before the end of 2024.

“Starry Night” is set to be released on August 30 at 1 PM KST. Fans are also eagerly awaiting this new era for FIFTY FIFTY and the fresh music they will bring to the K-pop scene.

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Former FIFTY FIFTY Members Sio, Aran, and Saena Sign With New Agency

The three former FIFTY FIFTY members have found a new home! Sio, Aran, and Saena have signed with a new agency and are set to release new music later this year.

Former FIFTY FIFTY Members Sign With New Label

On August 12, IOK Company announced the launch of its new label, MASSIVE E&C, and revealed that they had signed exclusive contracts with Saena, Aran, and Sio, three of the former members of the popular girl group FIFTY FIFTY.

With this exciting new chapter, Saena, Aran, and Sio will be joining MASSIVE E&C and are set to embark on their new journey as part of a global idol group. The trio is expected to begin their activities under this new label later this year, signaling a fresh start after a turbulent period.

“We plan to fully support these talented and passionate members to help them achieve even greater success worldwide,” a spokesperson for IOK Company said. “With the team behind the success of ‘Cupid,’ we aim to create a new success story in the global market.”

A Rocky Start for Sio, Aran, and Saena

IOK Company’s decision to launch MASSIVE E&C and sign the three former FIFTY FIFTY members is a strategic move aimed at bolstering its presence in both domestic and international music markets. The company is clearly positioning itself to become a significant player in the global entertainment industry, with Saena, Aran, and Sio playing a pivotal role in this ambition.

The road to this new beginning has been anything but smooth for the three idols. Last year, Sio, Aran, and Saena faced significant challenges when they sought to suspend their exclusive contracts with their previous agency, ATTRAKT. Unfortunately, their request was denied by the Seoul Central District Court, leading to a complicated legal battle. While all four members of FIFTY FIFTY initially decided to appeal the court’s decision, Keena eventually chose to withdraw her appeal and rejoined ATTRAKT in October. This decision led to the termination of Saena, Aran, and Sio’s contracts with ATTRAKT, effectively ending their tenure with the original group.

Meanwhile, ATTRAKT has moved forward with its plans to reorganize FIFTY FIFTY as a five-member group, with Keena remaining in the lineup. The agency has confirmed that the newly revamped group is preparing for a comeback in September, which is eagerly awaited by fans.

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Former FIFTY FIFTY Members Begin Lawsuit Vs ATTRAKT

K-Pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY, known for their rapid rise to fame and subsequent contract dispute, has finally announced the date for their first trial. The trial is set to begin on August 29, following a high-profile lawsuit filed by their agency, ATTRAKT. This will be the first time that the former members of the group will face their former agency since the lawsuit vs ATTRAKT was announced.

Saena, Sio and Aran Begin Lawsuit Vs ATTRAKT

In December last year, ATTRAKT initiated a lawsuit against FIFTY FIFTY members Saena, Sio, Aran, and their parents, seeking damages worth ₩13.0 billion KRW (approximately $9.41 million USD). This legal battle stems from a contract dispute that shook the K-Pop industry, highlighting the often complex and contentious nature of artist-agency relationships in the entertainment world.

FIFTY FIFTY had garnered significant attention and acclaim after their debut, achieving the remarkable feat of entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart just 130 days post-debut with their hit song “Cupid.” This achievement set a record for the shortest period in K-Pop history for a group to reach such heights. However, their meteoric rise was soon overshadowed by the legal issues that surfaced.

The members announced through their legal representative that they were challenging their contracts with ATTRAKT, a move that surprised and divided fans and industry insiders alike. Amidst the legal turmoil, member Keena decided to withdraw her appeal and return to ATTRAKT, signaling a potential shift in the group’s dynamics.

The New FIFTY FIFTY

In a bid to move forward, ATTRAKT recently announced the recruitment of four new members to FIFTY FIFTY. The agency is preparing for the group’s comeback, scheduled for September, with a new album that aims to re-establish FIFTY FIFTY’s presence in the K-Pop scene. This decision indicates ATTRAKT’s commitment to maintaining the group’s momentum and addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing legal dispute.

The upcoming trial on August 29 is highly anticipated, as it will provide more clarity on the legal standings of both parties involved. Fans and industry observers are also keenly watching how this case unfolds, as it could set a precedent for future contract disputes in the K-Pop industry.

FIFTY FIFTY’s journey from their breakthrough hit “Cupid” to the present legal battles exemplifies the volatile nature of fame and the underlying complexities within the music industry. As the group prepares for their comeback with new members, the outcome of the trial will also undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping their future and the broader K-Pop landscape.

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FIFTY FIFTY Set for September 2024 Comeback With New Members

FIFTY FIFTY is set to make a significant return this fall! The newly reorganized five-member group, including original member Keena, has been confirmed for a September 2024 comeback!

FIFTY FIFTY Confirmed for September 2024 Comeback Featuring Keena and New Members

On June 14, ATTRAKT made an official announcement confirming that FIFTY FIFTY had been reorganized as a five-member group, with Keena remaining as part of the lineup. The agency revealed that the revamped group is diligently preparing for a highly anticipated comeback scheduled for September.

“In order to take a new leap, ATTRAKT has held private auditions to search for new members,” the statement read. “As a result, this past April, we were able to decide on four new members, and FIFTY FIFTY will be making a new start as a five-member group including original member Keena.”

“Although we are well aware that there are many people who are waiting for FIFTY FIFTY to make a comeback, for the sake of album production quality and global marketing, we unavoidably need substantial time. In order to present a higher-quality [comeback, we are preparing to make a comeback in September instead of June, as we previously promised,” it concluded.

FIFTY FIFTY’s Tumultuous Past

The group faced considerable turmoil last year when the four original members sought to suspend their exclusive contracts with their agency, ATTRAKT. However, their request was denied by the Seoul Central District Court. Although all four members initially decided to appeal the court’s decision, Keena later opted to withdraw her appeal and rejoined ATTRAKT in October. Following Keena’s return, ATTRAKT terminated its exclusive contracts with the remaining three members, effectively reshaping the group’s future.

Fans of FIFTY FIFTY have expressed a mix of emotions regarding the changes within the group. Many are eager to see how the new lineup will come together and what fresh dynamics the additional members will bring. The announcement has also sparked curiosity and excitement about the group’s upcoming projects and musical direction.

This comeback marks a new chapter for FIFTY FIFTY, offering both the group and their fans a chance to move forward from the past year’s challenges. As they gear up for their September return, anticipation is building for the music and performances that will define this new era for FIFTY FIFTY.

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BTS’s Jungkook Named Billboard’s Best K-Pop Artist

Billboard has officially declared BTS’s Jungkook as the best K-pop artist of 2024 in its inaugural ranking of the top 100 K-pop stars. The media outler made the announcement to mark the upcoming launch of Billboard Korea in May.

The 2024 Billboard K-Pop Artist 100 marks the first time the US magazine has ranked K-pop artists. The rankings were assembled by the chart teams at Billboard and its Seoul branch, Billboard Korea, which is set to publish its first issue in June. These rankings drew from artists’ activities across the Billboard 200 albums chart, Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, and Billboard Boxscore. The Boxscore tracks tour attendance and revenue, covering the period from January 7, 2023, to December 30, 2023.

Group members were generally listed together unless notable solo activities warranted individual recognition. That’s what happened with Jungkook. This year’s rankings included members from 16 groups: (G)I-DLE, aespa, ATEEZ, BLACKPINK, BTS, ENHYPEN, FIFTY FIFTY, ITZY, LE SSERAFIM, NCT 127, NCT Dream, NewJeans, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), and TWICE.

How did Jungkook take the top spot?

Jungkook’s rise to the top of Billboard’s ranking followed the success of his first solo single “Seven (feat. Latto)” and the album GOLDEN, both released in 2023. “Seven (feat. Latto)” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remained at the top of the Billboard Global 200 for seven weeks, was hailed as the No. 1 Global Song of the Summer, and snagged the Top Global K-Pop Song at the Billboard Music Awards. Furthermore, Jungkook’s musical prowess was evident in his hit Hot 100 collaborations. These included the top-five hit “3D (feat. Jack Harlow),” which received a remix from Justin Timberlake, and “Too Much” with The Kid LAROI and Central Cee.

GOLDEN further cemented his status by debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It set a record for the largest sales week ever for a K-pop solo act with 210,200 equivalent-unit albums for the chart week dated November 18, 2023. His track “Standing Next to You” is on track to become his longest-running Hot 100 hit, having spent 16 consecutive weeks on the tally thus far. These accomplishments put Jungkook at the top of a list that evaluates activity on the Billboard 200, Hot 100, and Billboard Boxscore touring data over the past year.

Who else is on the list?

Second on the list is Stray Kids’ leader, Bang Chan, followed by Lee Know in third place. The rest of Stray Kids’ members—Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N—also made the top 10, in that order. This indicates a strong showing by the group in Billboard’s rankings. Girl group FIFTY FIFTY, which only has one remaining original member, Keena, secured the No. 10 spot.

In anticipation of its May launch, Billboard Korea plans to host a kick-off event in Seoul. This event will celebrate the K-pop artists featured on the 2024 list as guests of honor. It’ll further highlight the global influence of K-pop and its artists. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’s golden maknae added another feather to his cap. Source: Billboard.

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ATTRAKT Announces FIFTY FIFTY Comeback With New Members

ATTRAKT releases concept photos of Keena. Credit: Twitter/FIFTY FIFTY

A FIFTY FIFTY comeback is happening this year! The group’s announcement of their upcoming comeback in June marks a significant moment for both the group and their fans.

ATTRAKT Announces FIFTY FIFTY Comeback

The news, shared by their agency ATTRAKT on February 8, came as a pleasant surprise to many, especially considering the tumultuous journey the group has faced in recent times.

Debuting in November 2022 with their catchy and infectious song “Cupid,” FIFTY FIFTY quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase and gained recognition on a global scale. However, their promising start was soon overshadowed by internal conflicts and legal disputes that threatened the group’s future.

In June 2023, FIFTY FIFTY faced a major setback when they filed an application for provisional disposition to suspend the validity of their exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT. The move sparked a series of legal battles and led to the departure of some members from the group. Amidst the turmoil, Keena, one of the original members, chose to return to ATTRAKT, signaling a potential turning point for the group’s fortunes.

FIFTY FIFTY Moving Forward

Now, with plans for a comeback underway, FIFTY FIFTY is poised to make a triumphant return to the music scene. The group’s agency, ATTRAKT, has initiated the reorganization of members, centering around Keena, in preparation for their upcoming release. Fans can expect a revamped lineup, with additional details set to be confirmed around April.

The announcement of FIFTY FIFTY’s comeback has generated excitement and anticipation among fans, who have also eagerly awaited news of the group’s return. Despite the challenges and obstacles they have faced, FIFTY FIFTY remains determined to overcome adversity and reclaim their rightful place in the spotlight.

As the group prepares to unleash new music in June, they are also poised to captivate audiences once again with their electrifying performances and infectious melodies. With the unwavering support of their fans and the determination of their members, FIFTY FIFTY is ready to write the next chapter in their musical journey and make their comeback a resounding success.

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Former FIFTY FIFTY Members Aran, Saena, and Sio Seek New Agency

Former FIFTY FIFTY members Aran (Jeong Eunah), Saena (Jeong Sehyun), and Sio (Jeong Jiho) are actively seeking a new agency after their departure from the group. The fan club FIGHT FOR FIFI contacted the girls’ legal team to ask how fans can support them.

Said legal team relayed a message from the girls themselves. FIGHT FOR FIFI shared it on social media with their permission. In the message, Aran, Saena, and Sia expressed gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. “Currently, we’ve achieved the dissolution of the exclusive contract through mutual notification, which was the ultimate goal of the lawsuit,” they wrote. “We’re no longer artists under the management of ATTRAKT. Thus, there is no special legal assistance that fans can give us in the current situation.”

They added, “However, the three members Jeong Eunah, Jeong Jiho, and Jeong Sehyun continue to practice and recover while actively seeking new management. We remain determined to make music and aspire to be artists who positively influence others. We’ll do our best to present ourselves before our fans soon, and hope that fans will trust and support us even if it feels a little slow-footed.”

X/@FightForFifi

The FIFTY FIFTY saga

Previously, FIFTY FIFTY took legal action against their management company, ATTRAKT, to end their contracts, citing unclear financial dealings and poor healthcare. However, in August 2022, their case was dismissed, leading the members to appeal the decision. One member, Keena (Song Jakyung), chose not to continue with the appeal. Keena returned to ATTRAKT and implied that Ahn Sung Il of The Givers gaslit the group. The others disagreed; they attributed the issues to ATTRAKT’s mishandling of money and contracts.

Meanwhile, ATTRAKT, led by CEO Jeon Hong-jun, filed civil suits against Ahn Sung Il, Baek Jin Sil (also of The Givers), and the three former FIFTY FIFTY members. The agency is seeking tens of billions of won (tens of millions of dollars) in compensation for damages.

As they navigate these challenges, Aran, Saena, and Sio are determined to continue their musical journey and find new opportunities in the industry. This demonstrates their resilience and hope for the future. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Aran, Saena, and Sio won’t leave the idol life despite their legal struggles. Source: X/@UpdateFifty.

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