South Korean music label Attrakt has announced plans to take legal action against Warner Music Korea for allegedly attempting to poach members from the popular K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY. The announcement was made on September 13, 2024, following claims that Warner Music Korea, along with content development agency The Givers and former members Aran, Saena, and Sio, were involved in colluding to breach exclusive contracts with Attrakt.
According to reports from Korea JoongAng Daily, Attrakt stated that it had gathered substantial legal evidence, including audio recordings from meetings held on May 13, 17, and June 6, 2023. These recordings reportedly showcase discussions about submitting a provisional injunction to suspend the effectiveness of the aforementioned exclusive contracts on June 19, 2023. Attrakt's statement described Warner Music Korea as the central force orchestrating these alleged activities, asserting that the company sought to unlawfully acquire its artists through financial and coercive means.
In a defiant statement, Attrakt declared, "We will not succumb to the might of such corporate giants and are prepared to stand resolutely against these actions." This declaration was released shortly after Dispatch reported that The Givers' CEO Ahn Sung-il informed the original FIFTY FIFTY line-up's parents of a connection he had at Warner Music Korea, who was poised to sign the group.
Despite Warner Music Korea's denial of involvement in the alleged poaching, Dispatch indicated that undisclosed executives had indeed been in communication with the members' parents. The legal escalation comes just days before FIFTY FIFTY's highly anticipated re-debut featuring original member Keena and four new members, scheduled for September 20, 2024. Former members Aran, Saena, and Sio, who parted ways with Attrakt, recently signed with a new label, MASSIVE E&C, with plans to re-debut as a trio later this year, under the guidance of the creative team behind their hit track 'Cupid.'
As the situation unfolds, the music community watches closely, aware that the resolution of this dispute may set significant precedents for the K-pop industry.
For more details, see Korea JoongAng Daily and NME.