Tag: FIFTY FIFTY

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FIFTY FIFTY Claims Agency Used Girl Group To Settle Major Debts

FIFTY FIFTY is not backing down from their conflict with ATTRAKT. The girl group shared new claims about their agency in a social media post. This time, the idols are claiming that the label used their success to settle major debts with a different company.

FIFTY FIFTY Drops New Bombshell Amidst ATTRAKT Legal Dispute

Since their legal dispute with ATTRAKT, FIFTY FIFTY has opened an Instagram account to share their side of the story. Although they have not posted anything for some time, their latest update is a true shocker. In the post, the girl group shared new claims about their agency.

“The agency should stop taking baseless accusations,” their statement read. “Did the agency consider the girl group as a means to earn money for resolving debts?”

It further read, “The CEO of the agency, J, approached the CEO of an outsourcing company, A, to align their claims by investing 5 billion KRW (3.7 million USD) in advance payment debt, which his other S agency owed, into the girl group FIFTY FIFTY.”

They wrote, “The agency charged the members 3 billion KRW in costs on the settlement statement, but they haven’t provided any detailed information about the operating costs of 3.3 billion KRW and the deposit of 1.7 billion KRW up to October.”

“Do not insult the members with unsubstantiated tampering (contact before the exclusive contract expires),” the statement continues. FIFTY FIFTY also had a warning for CEO Jun Hong Joon.

“Now, reveal everything about FIFTY FIFTY truthfully, last as it may be,” they wrote. “We will disclose everything we have suffered under surveillance and control, damaging our health. We will reveal the truth behind the good stories told about CEO Jun.”

FIFTY FIFTY previously lost the legal battle to break out of their exclusive contracts with their label. On August 28, a judge decided to reject an injunction aimed at suspending FIFTY FIFTY’s exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT. This decision was prompted by reports stating that FIFTY FIFTY had declined to engage in mediation court proceedings.

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Look: Here Are the K-pop Acts Nominated for the 2023 MTV EMAs

BTS' Jungkook during filming of his digital single 'Seven.' Credit: Facebook/BTS

K-pop has once again proved its global influence in the music industry. After numerous recognitions at the recently held 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), K-pop acts are now set to bag a new set of awards at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).

On Tuesday, October 3, Billboard Brazil unveiled the list of nominations for the upcoming EMAs. 

According to MTV, the EMAs will be an event to celebrate the work of global artists with awards and legendary performances from international music icons. Notably, several K-pop acts made it to the record.

Who are nominated for 2023 MTV EMAs?

Topping the list are BTS’ Jungkook and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Both HYBE artists garnered a total of three nominations each.

Jungkook, the youngest member of the sensational group BTS, has been nominated for the Best K-pop and Biggest fans categories. He will also compete for the Song of the Year category for his digital single “Seven” featuring Latto. Furthermore, this is Jungkook’s first EMA nomination as a solo artist. 

Just last month, Jungkook took home the MTV VMAs Song of the Summer award for the said track.

Meanwhile, boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER also earned nominations for the following categories: Best K-pop, Best Push Artist, and Best Group. At the MTV VMAs, the “Sugar Rush Ride” singers bagged the Push Performance of the Year award.

Meanwhile, “Super” hitmakers SEVENTEEN and monster rookies NewJeans took two nods each, both for the Best K-pop and Best Group categories.

In addition, “Next Level” singers aespa also earned a nod for Best Group, while BLACKPINK is nominated for Biggest Fans category. Moreover, groups FIFTY FIFTY and Stray Kids will also compete for the Best K-Pop category.

Meanwhile, boy group TREASURE has been nominated in the Best Asia Act category as South Korea’s sole representative.

The 2023 MTV EMAs will take place in Paris, France on November 5. Fans can vote for their favorite acts on the MTV EMAs official website until October 31, 11:59 pm. Who are you rooting for among these nominees? 

Featured image: BTS’ Jungkook during filming of his digital single ‘Seven.’ Credit: Facebook/BTS

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Fans of Fifty Fifty Boycott Attrakt for Its New Compilation Album

FIFTY FIFTY poses for the concept photo of their song 'Cupid.' Credit: Twitter/FIFTY FIFTY

As the legal battle between K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY and its agency ATTRAKT continues,  the group’s fandom came in solidarity to support the “Cupid” singers amidst the controversy. 

On Saturday, September 23, the FIFTY FIFTY’s fan union announced a boycott of all merchandise produced by the music label ATTRAKT as a protest against the label’s abuse of the girl group. Such boycott include the group’s physical and digital albums, social media accounts, and paid event tickets.

Moreover, the boycott was prompted after ATTRAKT released a compilation album K-Pop called The Beginning on September 22. Given the circumstances surrounding its release, fans were unhappy with it.

‘The Beginning’ album draws backlash from fans

Despite the immense support for the girl group and their music, the group’s fandom was greatly disappointed and enraged with the poor quality of The Beginning. Which led them to boycott the product yet again.

In a two-minute clip shared by a fan, multiple empty pages in the album were visibly noticed. With the lack of content, some fans stated that it was a waste of money.

Another fan who purchased the album took her sentiments to social media. In a Twitter thread, she listed down all the details regarding the album’s poor quality. First, she pointed out that the photobook had 195 pages in total, and 123 pages of it are either blank, nearly blank, or have irrelevant designs.

Additionally, the user also criticized the reused content with most photos already publicly released, and the repetitive design all throughout the album. Apart from that, the fan also showed pages with random designs that are far from the group’s concept, in an attempt to fill up more space. 

Because of this, fans were quick to note that it’s just another way for ATTRAKT to squeeze money from FIFTY FIFTY fans. For them, the lack of thought and preparation for the compilation album is proof of the company’s negligence to the group.

One fan even harshly commented that The Beginning album might just be the worst K-Pop album in history.

FIFTY FIFTY’s legal battle with ATTRAKT

In June 2023, all four members Aran, Sio, Keena, and Saena filed a preliminary injunction with the desire to suspend their exclusive contract with the agency. Moreover the group revealed that the agency lacked providing them fair treatment and proper income distribution. 

On the other hand, ATTRAKT CEO Jun Hong Joon, stated that a third party named Ahn Sung Il attempted to poach the girl group. Ahn Sung Il is the CEO of The Givers who has the copyright of FIFTY FIFTY’s debut album registered under his name. Upon discovering Ahn’s anomalies, Jun Hong Joon filed a police report accusing Ahn of fraud, breach of trust, and other offenses.

Following the report, the court approved ATTRAKT’s request to put Ahn Sung Il’s copyright revenue on hold. 

With all the contrasting arguments, the group’s heated dispute with the agency remains unresolved.

Featured image: FIFTY FIFTY poses for the concept photo of their song ‘Cupid.’ Credit: Twitter/FIFTY FIFTY

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ATTRAKT Reportedly Launching New Girl Group After FIFTY FIFTY Legal Battle

ATTRAKT is clearly moving forward after their recent legal win against FIFTY FIFTY. The agency has just announced that they are launching a new girl group. The announcement comes just two weeks after the company won the first stage of their legal battle against their current girl group.

FIFTY FIFTY’s Agency Announced Search For New Girl Group Project

On September 3, ATTRAKT, the prominent management label, unveiled its exciting venture into a fresh girl group project through an official social media announcement. This revelation followed the noteworthy legal triumph of CEO Jeon Hong Joon in a case concerning the girl group FIFTY FIFTY.

ATTRAKT’s announcement generated considerable anticipation in the entertainment industry and among fans alike. The label, known for its commitment to nurturing talent and producing successful acts, hinted at an exciting journey ahead with this new girl group endeavor. The precise details of the project, such as the group’s name, members, and music concept, remain shrouded in mystery, adding an air of intrigue to the revelation.

https://twitter.com/attraktaudition/status/1698350179269980309

Jeon Hong Joon’s legal victory against FIFTY FIFTY undoubtedly bolstered ATTRAKT’s reputation and reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding its artists’ interests. As fans eagerly await new developments, the future holds the promise of an exhilarating chapter in the world of K-pop.

On August 28, a significant legal development emerged as a judge decided to reject an injunction aimed at suspending FIFTY FIFTY’s contract with ATTRAKT. This decision dealt a substantial setback to FIFTY FIFTY’s claims of mistreatment, effectively indicating that the court found insufficient evidence to substantiate their allegations. Since then, the members of group have expressed their decision to pursue their dispute with ATTRAKT. Their decision comes after losing the legal battle to break out of their exclusive contracts with the label.

FIFTY FIFTY gained popularity after releasing the worldwide hit “Cupid”. Since then, the girl group has been at odds with their own agency. As of writing, the members are planning to appeal the judge’s decision. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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FIFTY FIFTY To Pursue Exclusive Contracts Dispute with ATTRAKT

The members of FIFTY FIFTY are still determined to suspend their exclusive contracts

The members of FIFTY FIFTY have expressed their decision to pursue their dispute with ATTRAKT. Their decision comes after losing the legal battle to break out of their exclusive contracts with the label.

FIFTY FIFTY Officially Announce Decision To Appeal Judge’s Decision

On August 30 KST, FIFTY FIFTY’s legal representation the Barun Law Firm issued a statement indicating their intentions.

“We have reached a decision to file an appeal against the dismissal of our application for an injunction aimed at suspending the validity of the exclusive contracts,” the statement read. “The appeal will be officially filed soon”

“The court, in its ruling, pointed out the lack of transparency regarding the settlement structure for music and sound source income, as well as the details and items of the advance payment paid by the music producer for the creation of FIFTY FIFTY’s music. It was also unclear whether the CEO breached his duties in relation to this,” it continues.

“Despite the outcome of the provisional injunction, we are set to continue our fight on the major issues in the near future,” the statement added.

It was previously reported that FIFTY FIFTY are planning to appeal the decision. On August 28, a judge decided to reject an injunction aimed at suspending FIFTY FIFTY’s exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT. This decision was prompted by reports stating that FIFTY FIFTY had declined to engage in mediation court proceedings. When the group’s legal representative pursued a traditional trial, the judge swiftly dismissed the request.

Since then, ATTRAKT CEO Jeon Hong Joon disclosed his intention to shift his attention towards pursuing legal action against Ahn Sung Il. The Givers’ head has been accused of orchestrating FIFTY FIFTY’s attempted departure from ATTRAKT. This move signifies ATTRAKT’s commitment to seeking justice in this matter. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

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ATTRAKT CEO Breaks Silence Following Victory Against FIFTY FIFTY

ATTRAKT CEO Jeon Hong Joon spoke out after a brief victory in the FIFTY FIFTY legal battle

Jeon Hong Joon spoke briefly with the media following his brief victory in the legal battle with FIFTY FIFTY. The ATTRAKT CEO pointed out that his company is going after the person who started the trouble in the first place. Jeon stated that they are focused on seeking justice from The Givers’ Ahn Sung Il.

FIFTY FIFTY Loses Legal Battle Against Own Label

On August 28, a significant legal development emerged as a judge decided to reject an injunction aimed at suspending FIFTY FIFTY’s contract with ATTRAKT. This decision dealt a substantial setback to FIFTY FIFTY’s claims of mistreatment, effectively indicating that the court found insufficient evidence to substantiate their allegations.

This decision was prompted by reports stating that FIFTY FIFTY had declined to engage in mediation court proceedings. When the group’s legal representative pursued a traditional trial, the judge swiftly dismissed the request. Consequently, the judge’s ruling not only signifies a setback for FIFTY FIFTY’s efforts to break their contract but also underscores the importance of cooperation and adherence to legal processes in resolving disputes of this nature.

ATTRAKT CEO Breaks Silence Following Small Victory

Following the dismissal of the injunction against FIFTY FIFTY’s contract with ATTRAKT, CEO Jeon Hong Joon addressed the media with a brief statement. According to reports from Yonhap News, the CEO disclosed his intention to shift his attention towards pursuing legal action against Ahn Sung Il. The Givers’ head has been accused of orchestrating FIFTY FIFTY’s attempted departure from ATTRAKT. This move signifies ATTRAKT’s commitment to seeking justice in this matter.

Jeon Hong Joon’s statement suggests that ATTRAKT is determined to address the allegations and concerns surrounding FIFTY FIFTY’s contract. They also seek justice for the role of individuals like Ahn Sung Il in this complex situation.

“We have a lot of evidence that points to (Ahn Sung Il’s) tampering. We plan to now focus on the criminal lawsuit against Ahn Sung Il and Director Baek,” Jeon said.

This development underscores the ongoing legal battles and tensions within the entertainment industry. Technically, various parties seek to protect their interests and rights in contract disputes. For now, FIFTY FIFTY are reportedly likely to appeal the decision. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Newjeans’ ‘Super Shy’ Tops Song of the Summer in TikTok Korea

NewJeans shares photo from 'Get Up' promotions. Credit: Facebook/NewJeans

Short video platform TikTok announced on Friday, August 25, that “Super Shy” of rookie girl group NewJeans is the hottest summer song in South Korea for 2023. 

In a press release, TikTok explained that their list of “Song of the Summer” is based on the total number of videos of audio sources from the collected data in the platform between June to August of this year. The list is also divided into a global list and national list. 

 

For the Top 10 in South Korea, it was NewJeans’s “Super Shy” that emerged to have generated the most music-based content. 

“Super Shy,” which was released on July 7, is one of the title tracks from the group’s sophomore EP Get Up. 

Additionally, Get Up, which featured a total of six songs, saw NewJeans topping the Billboard 200 chart for the first time. Moreover, they’re the only second female K-pop act to land on the top spot of the Billboard 200, following BLACKPINK. Also, NewJeans’ Get Up and BLACKPINK’s Born Pink album are the only two albums by an all-female act to hit the No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the past 15 years. 

It’s not a surprise then that a single from NewJeans topped the list of TikTok Korea. 

Aside from “Super Shy,” only four other songs from Korean acts made it to the list. 

Song of the Summer in TikTok Korea 

Placing third in the list is “Queencard” by girl group (G)I-DLE. The song was the title track for their sixth mini-album I FEEL, which was released in May. 

 

Next is the speed up version of the hit “Cupid” by FIFTY FIFTY. Released on February 24, the song went viral and eventually became the highest charting hit by a South Korean girl group in the history of the Billboard Pop Airplay chart.

Although it placed fifth in TikTok Korea’s list, it was fourth in the global list. Additionally, “Cupid” was the only song by a K-pop act that made it in the list. 

 

In ninth place is “Seven” by BTS member Jungkook. Also an expected addition given that the explicit version of the digital single has earned a Guinness World Record. 

“Seven (Explicit Ver.)” logged at least 11.6 million streams each day for its first tracking week. With this, it has set the record for fastest time for a music track by a male artist to reach 100 million streams on Spotify. 

 

Rounding up the list was “AEAO” by Korean hip-hop duo Dynamic Duo. The song went viral on TikTok nine years after its release. 

As for the international releases that made it to the list, Mae Stephens’ “If We Ever Broke Up” landed at the second place. 

Other songs in the rankings also include “What It Is (Solo Version)” by American rapper Doechii and “girls like me don’t cry” by Vietnamese-American singer Thuy. 

Japanese group Yoasabi’s “Idol” and singer imase’s “Night Dancer” also made it to the list. 

Featured image: NewJeans shares photo from ‘Get Up’ promotions. Credit: Facebook/NewJeans

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FIFTY FIFTY Files Criminal Charges Against ATTRAKT CEO

The legal clash between FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT’s CEO, Jeon Hong Joon, took a dramatic turn that reverberated throughout the K-pop industry. On August 17, 2023, the renowned Barun Law Firm officially filed a criminal complaint on behalf of FIFTY FIFTY, alleging a “breach of trust” in accordance with the Act on Specific Economic Crimes. This move was unprecedented and raised significant questions about the intricate workings of the K-Pop world, especially the intricate relationships between artists and their management companies.

FIFTY FIFTY Takes Legal Action Against ATTRAKT CEO

Adding complexity to this high-stakes battle was FIFTY FIFTY’s history. The group initially signed with Jeon Hong Joon‘s previous venture, Star Crew Entertainment, before making the transition to ATTRAKT ahead of their debut. Barun Law Firm‘s claims of financial irregularities, involving the transfer of funds and debts between these two companies, have added layers of intrigue and complexity to the situation.

The eyes of the K-Pop community, fans, and industry insiders are fixed on this unfolding legal drama. The potential consequences of this battle are far-reaching and may significantly impact FIFTY FIFTY’s career trajectory and the broader landscape of the Korean entertainment industry.

In 2022, FIFTY FIFTY emerged as a dynamic K-Pop group, featuring the talents of Sio, Saena, Aran, and Keena. Under the management of ATTRAKT, they debuted in November 2022 with their EP “The Fifty.”

However, it was their viral hit single, “Cupid,” released in February 2023, that catapulted them to international stardom. Within an astonishing four months of their debut, FIFTY FIFTY became the fastest K-Pop group to secure positions on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. This achievement was even more remarkable as they became the first K-pop girl group to break into the UK’s top ten.

The group’s rapid ascent in the music industry did not go unnoticed. In 2023, FIFTY FIFTY signed a significant deal with Warner Music Korea, firmly establishing their presence as a rising force in the global music scene. They were previously announced to appear in the “Barbie” original soundtrack.

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Fifty Fifty Members Pen Letter to Fans

FIFTY FIFTY posing for the concept photo of 'The Beginning: Cupid' album. Credit: Twitter/FIFTY FIFTY

To say that 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride for girl group FIFTY FIFTY is an understatement. 

The year started with their song “Cupid “ becoming the highest charting hit by a South Korean group in the history of the Billboard Pop Airplay chart. As proof of their popularity, FIFY FIFTY was even tapped to be part of the soundtrack for the live-action movie Barbie. 

But it seemed like all the good luck for FIFTY FIFTY had run out come June 2023. On June 19, the members of the group filed for an injunction to suspend their exclusive contracts with agency ATTRAKT. 

According to the group’s legal representatives, the members cited contract breaches and breakdown of trust for their legal action. 

Read the timeline of what happened to FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT here: FIFTY FIFTY and How a Phenomenal K-Pop Career Can be Destroyed in Weeks; A Timeline

Since then, more allegations and evidence have come out. And on August 18, two months after the FIFTY FIFTY members first sought the suspension of their contracts, the group filed criminal charges against ATTRAKT’s CEO Jun Hong Joon. 

https://twitter.com/fiftyfiftylog/status/1692128551716237740

 

The filing of criminal charges came after the FIFTY FIFTY members were informed by the court that they had no intention of continuing the meditation. Meaning, the group’s legal dispute with ATTRAKT will return to trial. 

FIFTY FIFTY’s message to their fans 

Following the continued legal battle, the FIFTY FIFTY members have finally broken their silence. Handwritten letters in Korean and English were posted on Instagram under the account fifi_fifi1118. 

“Hello, we are Keena, Saena, Sio, and Aran of FIFTY FIFTY. We hope that you will be kind enough to understand us conveying our situation in this way. Thank you,” the caption read.

A representative of the group reportedly confirmed that the members personally wrote the letters. 

https://twitter.com/fiftyfiftylog/status/1692169240088850782

In their message, the group began by apologizing to “everyone who loves [them] for causing much concern.” 

Meanwhile, the group also empathized that their fans might be confused with what’s happening, saying that “misunderstandings and accusations have been snowballing.” 

“Nevertheless, we believe that there is a truth that needs to be uncovered despite these difficulties,” FIFTY FIFTY wrote. 

Additionally, the members shared that while they’re grateful for the love they’ve received, they think it’s best to “right the wrongs that have been forced in our relationship with the agency” 

https://twitter.com/fiftyfiftylog/status/1692147509999636539

Moreover, the group said that it’s been “heartbreaking to see so many untrue stories” circulating and that they hope that the truth would be uncovered soon. 

“We sincerely hope that you do not make too much criticism based on false suspicions and misunderstandings and look at the facts objectively,” they asked fans. 

Also, FIFTY FIFTY assured that they’re doing this together as a group. “Every one of our members is in this together,” they said. 

As for their future activities, FIFTY FIFTY shared that they’d like to continue being artists “in a trustworthy environment.”

“We will do our best to come back in good shape and return our thankfulness to all of you who have been following us,” they wrote. 

Fans rally behind FIFTY FIFTY

In response to the members’ letter, fans quickly took to social media to show support for FIFTY FIFTY. 

Using the hashtags “We Love You FIFTY FIFTY” and “Hunnies with FIFTY FITY,” fans sent their messages of solidarity. 

https://twitter.com/fiftyfiftylog/status/1692168160550478280

 

“Please keep fighting hard for what you believe in and never give up,” one comment read. “We are wishing for the best possible outcome from all of this.” 

Another wrote: “Truth cannot be hidden, truth doesn’t change with time. We will be right here waiting patiently for you.” 

https://twitter.com/Jjojjo5050/status/1692178948682383737

 

As of writing, ATTRAKT has yet to release a statement about the recent developments. 

Featured image: FIFTY FIFTY posing for the concept photo of ‘The Beginning: Cupid’ album. Credit: Twitter/FIFTY FIFTY

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Here Are the K-Pop Acts Nominated for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

BLACKPINK in a behind-the-scenes photo from their Coachella 2023 set. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

There’s no denying how huge K-pop has become in the international music scene. And the growing amount of K-pop act nominees in 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is proof of that. 

MTV unveiled on Wednesday, August 8, the nominees for this year’s awarding, and six K-pop acts made it to the list. 

BLACKPINK is the most nominated K-pop act this year, garnering a total of four nods. 

The girl group’s hit single “Pink Venom” is nominated for Best Choreography, Best Art Direction, Best Editing, and Best K-pop. 

 

Meanwhile, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) scored a total of two nominations with their recent title track “Sugar Rush Side.”

It is nominated in the Push Performance of the Year and Best K-pop categories. 

 

In addition to BLACKPINK and TXT, four other acts are also nominated in the K-pop category.

The nominees includes aespa’s “Girls,” FIFTY FIFTY’s “Cupid,” SEVENTEEN’s “Super,”  and Stray Kids’ “S-Class.” 

MTV only added the Best K-pop category in 2019. 

 

Overall, pop star Taylor Swift and singer SZA lead the 2023 MTV VMAs nominees with eight and six nods, respectively. 

Moreover, fans can vote for their favorite acts through the MTV website. 

Additionally, the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony will take place on September 12 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK in a behind-the-scenes photo from their Coachella 2023 set. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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