The agency representing the K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY, ATTRAKT, has filed a substantial lawsuit against Warner Music Korea for damages. ATTRAKT announced on Wednesday that it is seeking over 20 billion won (approximately $14 million) from former CEO Jin Seung Young (Clayton Jin) and current Executive Director Yoon Hyung Geun of Warner Music Korea. The lawsuit is based on allegations of contract tampering involving pre-contract communication before the expiration of existing agreements.
In this context, ATTRAKT stated, “Warner Music Korea played a key role in the tampering process related to the contract disputes with the former members of FIFTY FIFTY.” They also revealed, “On May 17, 2023, a tampering meeting took place at Warner Music Korea’s headquarters with the parents of the former members, and we have gathered all essential evidence from that meeting.”
ATTRAKT emphasized that “the illegal actions that disrupted the normal activities of the former members of FIFTY FIFTY have caused significant harm to the company.” They plan to hold former CEO Jin Seung Young and current Executive Director Yoon Hyung Geun of Warner Music Korea accountable as co-conspirators in this alleged tampering.
Jeon Hong Jun, the CEO of ATTRAKT, remarked, “The actions of Warner Music, a major global record label, attempting to take valuable artists from a small agency in South Korea are utterly unforgivable and shameless.” He added, “The actual damages incurred are even greater; we are initially claiming 20 billion won and intend to increase that amount in the future.”
Last June, ATTRAKT announced a suspension of activities due to its members’ declining health. The agency firmly stated that external influences encouraged the members to breach their exclusive contracts during this period, explicitly identifying Warner Music Korea as the source of these influences.
This lawsuit has heightened awareness about illegal tampering within the K-pop industry, and its outcome is expected to impact future contractual practices in the entertainment sector significantly.
Meanwhile, FIFTY FIFTY has recently resumed activities with original member Keena, alongside new members Chanelle Moon, Yewon, Hana, and Athena. Former members Aran, Saena, and Sio have signed exclusive contracts with Massive E&C following the termination of their contracts with ATTRAKT.
>> Former FIFTY FIFTY Members Re-Debut as ablume Amid Ongoing Legal Dispute