ATTRAKT sues Warner Music Korea

ATTRAKT, the record label that manages FIFTY FIFTY’s activities, will take legal action against Warner Music Korea. The reason behind the decision is in an exclusive recording released by Dispatch last Wednesday, 11, where the audio reproduces old conversations between the former members (Aran, Saena and Sio) and their parents, along with the CEO of The Givers, Ahn Sung Iland the CFO of Warner Music Korea, Jin Seung Young.

In the audios (via Soompi), it is possible to hear derogatory comments about the CEO of ATTRAKT, Jeon Hong Joonas well as unfounded allegations, such as claims that HYBE and the former CEO of ADOR, Min Hee Jinmade offers to Ahn Sung Il to manage their new group (which has already been denied by both parties). In addition, the recording also revealed discussions on strategies for the former members to invalidate their exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT, file lawsuits, and sign with Warner Music Korea.

In response, ATTRAKT released an official statement, stating that they are “committed to holding all parties involved in this situation accountable”; read the translation below:

Greetings from ATTRAKT, a leading entertainment agency in South Korea.

We have obtained comprehensive legal evidence proving that Warner Music Korea, The Givers, and former FIFTY FIFTY members Aran, Saena, and Sio conspired to violate their exclusive contracts and engaged in tampering activities.

We have secured audio recordings of their meetings held on May 13, May 17, and June 6, 2023, along with other related materials. These facts were also highlighted in the Dispatch article published on September 11, 2024. Pursuant to the plans discussed in their recorded meetings, these tamperers filed a preliminary injunction to suspend the effectiveness of their exclusivity agreements with ATTRAKT on June 19, 2023.

The allegations made by former FIFTY FIFTY members regarding health management issues, lack of support and dispute resolution have all been proven false in court. These former members committed illegal acts with the sole purpose of terminating their contracts, distorting the truth and misleading the public.

Warner Music Korea, the main force behind this tampering, has attempted to illegally seize our valuable artists through the use of financial and coercive power. We will not succumb to the power of such corporate giants and are prepared to resolutely oppose these actions.

For the sustained growth of K-Pop, partnerships with global record labels are of utmost importance. It is truly disheartening to see a company that should be contributing to the advancement of K-Pop implicated as the driving force behind such a malicious incident.

Starting today, we will rigorously review all legal options against Warner Music Korea. We reaffirm our commitment to holding all parties involved in this adulteration scheme fully accountable.”