There’s yet another k-drama happening in real life in Korea.
The ongoing legal battle between ATTRAKT and Warner Music Korea has reached a new peak with ATTRAKT filing a substantial 20 billion won (~SGD$19.15 million) lawsuit against Warner Music Korea executives.
Here’s what happened.
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FIFTY FIFTY & Their Success
The saga began with FIFTY FIFTY, a girl group that debuted under ATTRAKT in November 2022. The group achieved remarkable success with their song “Cupid” in February 2023, climbing to No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking them as a breakthrough success story for a small agency.
The situation took a dramatic turn in June 2023 when three members of FIFTY FIFTY – Saena, Sio, and Aran – filed for an injunction to terminate their exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT. The members claimed issues regarding settlement data and health management.
However, ATTRAKT maintained these claims were fabricated and part of a larger scheme.
The scheme?
ATTRAKT has presented evidence suggesting Warner Music Korea played a central role in orchestrating the contract dispute.
The agency claims to have obtained audio recordings from multiple meetings held in May and June 2023, including a crucial meeting at Warner Music Korea’s headquarters on 17 May 2023, involving the members’ parents.
These recordings allegedly reveal discussions about strategies to invalidate the members’ contracts with ATTRAKT.
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
The initial injunction filed by the members was dismissed by the court in August 2023. While member Keena chose to return to ATTRAKT, the other three members proceeded to terminate their contracts and signed with MASSIVE E&C, a label under IOK.
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In response to these events, ATTRAKT has specifically named former Warner Music Korea CEO Clayton Jin and current executive director Yoon Hyung-geun in their lawsuit.
Currently, ATTRAKT has restructured FIFTY FIFTY, keeping original member Keena and adding four new members – Moonchanel, Athena, Hana, and Yewon.
The group has already made their comeback with a new mini-album titled “Love Tune”.
Meanwhile, the three former members have formed a new group called ablume under their new agency.
ATTRAKT’s CEO Jeon Hong-joon has indicated that the 20 billion won lawsuit is just the initial claim, with plans to increase the compensation amount in the future.
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The agency views Warner Music Korea’s actions as particularly egregious, characterizing them as a large corporation attempting to forcibly acquire artists from a smaller agency.
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