ATTRAKT, the agency of FIFTY FIFTY, has filed a substantial damages lawsuit against Warner Music Korea:
ATTRAKT, the agency representing FIFTY FIFTY, has filed a significant lawsuit against Warner Music Korea for damages. On October 23, ATTRAKT announced they are seeking 20 billion won (around $14.5 million USD) in damages from former CEO Clayton Jin and current executive director Yoon Hyung-Geun of Warner Music Korea, accusing them of making contact before the contract expiration.
ATTRAKT further claimed that Warner Music Korea was heavily involved in the contract dispute with the former FIFTY FIFTY members, including a tampering meeting with the members' parents at Warner Music Korea's headquarters on May 17, 2023. ATTRAKT has secured critical evidence from that meeting.
The company highlighted the severe damage caused by these illegal actions, which disrupted the former members' activities. CEO Jeon Hong-jun emphasized that the attempt by Warner Music, a subsidiary of one of the world’s top three record labels, to take away precious artists from a small South Korean agency is unforgivable. He also noted that the actual damages are higher and plans to increase the compensation amount.
FIFTY FIFTY debuted as a four-member group in November 2022 and gained global fame with their February 2023 hit "Cupid," earning the title "miracle of a small-agency idol group." In June 2023, the members filed for an injunction to terminate their contracts, citing ATTRAKT’s failure to provide settlement data and manage health issues. The injunction was dismissed in August.
ATTRAKT suspended the group’s activities in June 2023, citing health deterioration and suggesting external influences, specifically Warner Music Korea, were involved. Despite the ongoing legal battle, member Keena withdrew her appeal and returned to ATTRAKT. The agency replaced the departing members with three new ones and announced their comeback in September 2024. Meanwhile, the remaining members—Saena, Sio, and Aran—signed with MASSIVE E&C under IOK in September and filed a lawsuit against ATTRAKT CEO Jeon Hong-Jun, claiming 300 million won (about $217,000 USD) in damages.
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