FIFTY FIFTY is undergoing a revamp by including Keena as a new member, and it's been confirmed that the second generation will maintain the four-member lineup.
According to a recent report by OSEN, the agency Attrakt has decided to reorganize FIFTY FIFTY with the recently returned member, Keena, at the center. The second-generation members will consist of a quartet to preserve the group's originality.
Having debuted in November of the previous year, FIFTY FIFTY achieved global success when their song "Cupid" reached 17th on the Billboard 'Hot 100' chart just five months later. Earning such a remarkable feat from a small agency within just five months of debut, they received great acclaim from the public, often referred to as the "miracle of the mid-tier."
However, the group faced challenges in June when all four members of FIFTY FIFTY filed for a suspension of their exclusive contract with Attrakt. The members claimed that Attrakt did not fulfill its duties, including providing settlement details and ensuring the members' physical and mental wellbeing. In response, Attrakt identified the outsourcing company, The Givers, and An Seong-il, known as the producer of "Cupid," as the culprits and filed charges against them.
Amid these issues, allegations arose that An Seong-il had secretly transferred the copyright for "Cupid" and had forged handwritten signatures. The Korea Music Copyright Association subsequently suspended the royalty payments for "Cupid." The controversy further deepened when discrepancies in An Seong-il's academic and career backgrounds surfaced. Public opinion began to lean towards Attrakt's side, with many calling for the formation of a second-generation FIFTY FIFTY with new members.
In August, the court dismissed FIFTY FIFTY's request for a contract suspension against Attrakt. While members expressed their intentions to appeal, Keena alone submitted a cancellation for her appeal and returned to Attrakt, leading to a new phase in the dispute.
Keena, upon her return, exposed An Seong-il's gaslighting in media interviews. Attrakt conveyed their desire to "forgive and accept" Keena, showing remorse. Meanwhile, the appeals submitted by the other three members were dismissed. Last month, Attrakt officially stated that they had terminated the contracts of the other members - Sana, Sio, and Aran - on October 19th due to their serious contract breaches.
While the former members face uncertain futures, Attrakt plans to form the second generation of FIFTY FIFTY with Keena and three new members. An industry insider revealed that Keena has returned to her residence in Seoul.
A significant influence in Attrakt's decision to maintain the group with new members came from a comment made by Keena's mother. An industry representative told OSEN, "It was Keena's mother's comment that changed CEO Jun Hong-jun's mind. The court's dismissal was on August 28th, but Keena's mother had left a comment in early August saying Keena would return. It was not a decision made after the dismissal, but Keena had already decided to return. Moreover, the fact that Keena had been persuading the members since July became a significant reason for the team's reorganization."
Moreover, FIFTY FIFTY has been nominated for the '2023 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs)' in the Top Duo/Group and Top Global K-POP Song categories. With the current situation in Israel and Palestine potentially preventing offline events, Attrakt confirmed that "whether it's in-person or virtual, if invited, Keena will attend the award ceremony."
A music industry source added, "Being nominated for the Billboard Music Awards seems to have reignited CEO Jun Hong-jun's passion for FIFTY FIFTY."
However, Attrakt is currently preparing to launch a new girl group. The company plans to focus on this new audition project while Keena takes a break. The audition for the new girl group is the priority, suggesting that FIFTY FIFTY's reformation and activities may be postponed. There's speculation that the new members of FIFTY FIFTY might emerge from these auditions.
In related news, last month, Attrakt signed a memorandum of understanding with Studio Jam, a subsidiary of JTBC, to produce a new girl group audition program. Attrakt's CEO Jun Hong-jun expressed, "We will do our best to create a girl group that will further shine in K-POP. With courage and wisdom, we will once again challenge the Billboard charts."
