In 2023, the K-Pop industry faced numerous issues, but the most significant was undoubtedly the tampering case involving the group FIFTY FIFTY. The scenario of a newly debuted group demanding contract termination from their agency over settlement issues is unprecedented in K-Pop.
Who is FIFTY FIFTY, the Newcomer of 2022?
Debuted in June 2021, FIFTY FIFTY is the first girl group launched by Attrakt Inc., a label under StarCrew ENT, led by CEO Jeon Hong-joon. The group originally consisted of members Keena, Sana, Sio, and Aran.
Their debut single "The Beginning: Cupid," released on February 24, 2022, brought them worldwide popularity and the nickname "miracle of a small agency idol group."
How did this newly debuted group gain such global popularity? Their song "Cupid" went viral in April after a TikTok user uploaded a sped-up version of the track. The song subsequently entered the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 17.
The Outbreak of a Tampering War
FIFTY FIFTY, after becoming global stars with a single hit, filed an injunction in June against their agency Attrakt, claiming violation of contract terms including financial transparency and member health management.
Attrakt countered by alleging external forces attempted to poach their members, implicating The Givers CEO An Seong-il and Warner Music Korea in the tampering attempt. Both The Givers and Warner Music Korea vehemently denied these accusations.
The court rejected the injunction filed by FIFTY FIFTY. Consequently, the members remained under Attrakt, but they immediately appealed against the court's decision.
Keena Withdraws Appeal, Returns to Attrakt, Begins Solo Activities
In October, Keena changed her legal representation and withdrew her appeal, marking her return to Attrakt. Attrakt accepted Keena back and notified the other three members (Sana, Sio, Aran) of contract termination.
After returning to Attrakt, Keena resumed her activities right away. This year, FIFTY FIFTY was nominated in the 'Top Duo/Group' and 'Top Global K-Pop Song' categories at the Billboard Music Awards 2023. Although the ceremony was held virtually, Keena flew to the US alone to attend a private party.
While in the US, Keena celebrated her first debut anniversary, expressing regret in a handwritten letter for the tough times fans endured due to her actions. She thanked the fans for their unwavering support and promised to repay them with good music and performances as FIFTY FIFTY's Keena. Meanwhile, Attrakt plans to form a new lineup around Keena.
Attrakt Appoints Kim & Chang, Investigates Illegality in 'Cupid' Copyright Registration
Attrakt appointed new legal representatives from Kim & Chang to respond to the illegal actions during the copyright registration process of 'Cupid.' Attrakt stated, "We believe the illegality in the copyright registration process of 'Cupid' is a significant issue and have appointed Kim & Chang to handle this matter specifically."
Previously, Attrakt filed a criminal complaint against The Givers CEO An Seong-il at the Gangnam Police Station, accusing him of various charges, including business obstruction and fraud.
Attorney Eun Hyun-ho from Kim & Chang stated, "We are preparing to respond to actions related to copyright share registration without authorization and other related matters. We also plan to address the issue of unilaterally reduced copyright shares related to Keena's creative contributions."
Korea Entertainment Producers Association: "Tempering Disrupts the Industry, Offenders Must Be Expelled"
The Korea Entertainment Producers Association (KEPA) emphasized the importance of cooperation between entertainment planners and artists for the development of South Korea's pop culture industry.
KEPA recently stated, "For the growth of the South Korean pop culture industry, it is essential to maintain an equitable relationship between entertainment planners and artists."
KEPA also claimed that artists misuse their influence and exploit loopholes in the standard exclusive contract, initiating lawsuits for contract termination against planners. Despite revisions to the standard exclusive contract and laws to protect artists' rights, planners receive little protection, KEPA argued, citing FIFTY FIFTY's case as an example.
KEPA emphasized the need for legal and system reforms to ensure equitable relationships between planners and artists. "Those who cause industry chaos and confusion through tampering must be expelled," KEPA asserted, promising a strong response to such actions.
K-Pop Ecosystem Disrupted by 'Invasive Species' (Unscrupulous Planners) - The FIFTY FIFTY Case as a Catalyst for Anti-Tampering Legislation
The FIFTY FIFTY incident wasn't the only case of tampering this year. The group EXO's sub-unit ChenBaekXi (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin) also faced a dispute with SM Entertainment (SM), getting wrapped up in tampering suspicions.
ChenBaekXi notified SM of contract termination in June, citing unfair contract terms and settlement issues, leading to tampering allegations. SM alleged external forces approached ChenBaekXi, with singer MC Mong being implicated. However, MC Mong's legal team clarified he had not intervened in any way. A leaked recording suggesting MC Mong's prior contact with some members strengthened SM's claims.
Tampering has long been a covert issue in the K-Pop industry. The recent cases of FIFTY FIFTY and ChenBaekXi have brought the problem to light. There's still no clear solution to tampering, with planners often exploiting this gap to poach or attempt to poach artists, creating a recurring issue. With K-Pop artists like BTS being used to promote national projects, the lack of anti-tampering measures is alarming. A situation like FIFTY FIFTY's could lead to the loss of entire groups or members.
Discussions for anti-tampering legislation are finally taking place in the National Assembly. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is revising the standard exclusive contract to align with current industry conditions and considering a free agency (FA) system.
