The globally renowned group FIFTY FIFTY, known for their hit song "CUPID," has released a repackaged album across the United States. Despite ongoing contract disputes with their members, their agency, Attrakt Entertainment, remains hopeful for the members' return.
On September 22, Attrakt Entertainment announced FIFTY FIFTY's new EP titled "The Beginning." According to StarNews, this album, produced in collaboration with Warner Records, is a compilation specifically designed for K-pop fans in the U.S. An initial batch of 156,000 copies has been distributed nationwide.
The album features an English version of "CUPID," a sped-up version, and a collaboration with American singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter. The title track "CUPID," released last February, broke the record for the longest-charting song by a K-pop girl group on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. In total, the album contains 11 tracks, including songs like "Higher," "Tell Me," "Lovin' Me," and "Log in" from their November EP "THE FIFTY."
CEO Jeon Hong-jun of Attrakt explained to StarNews, "There's no new recording. We've released it as a U.S. exclusive best album. We've only remixed and remastered it to fit the American style."
In June, FIFTY FIFTY requested the termination of their exclusive contract with Attrakt, citing unclear settlements and inadequate support. However, the court sided with Attrakt.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled last month, "It's hard to definitively say there was a breach in providing settlement data, and it's challenging to see sufficient evidence of neglect in health care and consideration. Ending the contract with The Givers is not a breach." FIFTY FIFTY has since appealed the court's decision.
Amid the ongoing contract dispute between FIFTY FIFTY and Attrakt, the release of FIFTY FIFTY's new album has drawn significant attention from music fans. CEO Jeon stated, "Before the dispute in May, I met with the CEO of Warner Records in the U.S. and verbally agreed. After returning to Korea in June, our staff continued working. After signing the contract in early July, we sent the work to the U.S. in August. We believed the members would return soon and continued the project."
Attrakt has previously accused FIFTY FIFTY of "tempering" (contacting other companies before their contract ends) and pointed fingers at the third-party production company, The Givers. In response, Attrakt filed a criminal complaint against The Givers' CEO, An Seong-il, and Director Baek Mo on charges of business obstruction and electronic record destruction.
CEO Jeon expressed, "Now that the dismissal has been issued, the members should return. It's heartbreaking that they are still being gaslighted by CEO An. Tempering needs to be eradicated. It shouldn't set a bad precedent in the K-pop market. Laws should be revised to strengthen punishments in line with reality."
