Legal battle unfolds as the first trial for FIFTY FIFTY's injunction to terminate their exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT takes place

On the afternoon of July 5 KST, the Seoul Central District Court held the first trial concerning the application for an injunction to terminate the exclusive contracts by the four members of FIFTY FIFTY (Saena, Kina, Aran, and Sio) against ATTRAKT, headed by CEO Jeon Hong Joon. The legal representatives of each side were only present at the first trial.

Previously, on the 19th of last month, the members of FIFTY FIFTY filed for a provisional injunction to suspend their exclusive contract with ATTRAKT at the Seoul Central District Court. The application was submitted seven months after their debut, citing concerns over unclear settlements and coercive activities. This information was reported by attorney Yoo Myung Seok from Barun Law Firm, the group's legal representatives.

During the first trial, which took place on this day, FIFTY FIFTY's side expressed their position, stating, "We intend to terminate the exclusive contract based on three reasons: lack of settlement data transparency, violation of the artist's health care obligations, and insufficient support for essential resources."

FIFTY FIFTY's side emphasized ATTRAKT's violation of the settlement obligation by stating, "ATTRAKT claims that Star Crew ENT signed a distribution contract with Interpark, receiving a 9 billion KRW (6.9 million USD) advance payment, of which 6 billion KRW (4.6 million USD) was invested in FIFTY FIFTY. However, from the members' perspective, we cannot confirm the details of the contract or if it was truly for the benefit of the members. Additionally, the current profit from the group's entertainment activities, such as music and album sales are directed to Star Crew ENT. However, the contracts with Star Crew ENT have concluded when the trainee period of the members has ended." Furthermore, they highlighted their loss of trust in the agency, stating, "This obligation should have been disclosed by ATTRAKT before the members signed the entertainment contract, but it was not communicated."

They also raised concerns about the breach of trust by ATTRAKT's CEO. It appears that Star Crew ENT, the recipient of the advance payment, is a private company belonging to CEO Jeon Hong Joon.

ATTRAKT's lawyer addressed the previous claims, stating, "There seems to be a serious misunderstanding about the relationship between Star Crew ENT and ATTRAKT. FIFTY FIFTY originally signed an exclusive contract with Star Crew ENT. FIFTY FIFTY consented and signed the business transfer agreement as well. Therefore, speculating about the resignation of ATTRAKT's CEO appears to be unfounded and based on imagination. Additionally, the omission of sales with Star Crew was not intentional but rather a result of differing perspectives during the process. Hence, the claim made by FIFTY FIFTY lacks a solid foundation."

Regarding the delayed submission of some settlement data, ATTRAKT's side explained, "It was an oversight by an outsourcing company," and further stated, "All the requested data was provided within the specified timeframe, so the claim of non-fulfillment of settlement obligations is not a valid reason to terminate the exclusive contract."

FIFTY FIFTY's attorney clarified, "In essence, the members are not demanding or seeking monetary gain. The members have been subject to speculation and criticism, but these accusations (by ATTRAKT) are unfounded. Currently, the trust between FIFTY FIFTY and ATTRAKT has been irreparably damaged, making the continuation of the exclusive contract impossible."

ATTRAKT expressed their regrets concerning the alleged breach of trust with the young artists of FIFTY FIFTY and expressed a desire to resolve the matter promptly. 

However, the label cited a lack of opportunities to establish contact with the members, stating, "We want to resolve the matter a day quicker but we have no chance to meeting the artists. They also do not respond. While personal freedom allows for individual choices regarding meetings, it seems that external influences may be at play in this case involving the young members of FIFTY FIFTY."

Meanwhile, following the application for an injunction to suspend the validity of their exclusive contract, all activities of FIFTY FIFTY have been completely suspended. This includes their participation in the 'KCON LA 2023' concert, the filming of the music video for the movie 'Barbie' OST 'Barbie Dreams,' as well as commercials featuring sports players and global electronics companies, and the filming of entertainment programs.