FIFTY FIFTY has unveiled its new members after a legal dispute led to a restructuring of the group. The new lineup includes four new members alongside original member Keena, with a comeback set for September 20th. The announcement has been met with excitement, although former members continue to stir controversy.
FIFTY FIFTY Unveils New Members
After facing a legal dispute and restructuring into a five-member group, FIFTY FIFTY has revealed the faces of its new members. The entertainment agency ATTRAKT released a group trailer video through their official YouTube channel at midnight on the 9th. The video shows original member Keena and the four new members playing on a seesaw. The video also features close-ups of each member, followed by a scene where they embrace one another. The phrase “perfect balance at last, FIFTY FIFTY” appears in the video.
Introduction of New Members
ATTRAKT introduced three of the new members as ‘Moon Chanelle,’ ‘Yewon,’ and ‘Hana,’ while one member’s name remains unknown, represented by an emoji. FIFTY FIFTY is set to make a comeback on September 20th.
Legal Dispute and Restructuring of FIFTY FIFTY
FIFTY FIFTY debuted as a four-member group in November 2022. Their song ‘Cupid’ received significant international attention, entering the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, original members Aran, Sio, Saena, and Keena filed for an injunction to suspend their exclusive contract with ATTRAKT. They cited reasons like opaque financial settlements and neglect of their health. The court dismissed the request, ruling that ATTRAKT did not violate its obligations. Keena withdrew her appeal and returned to the agency alone. ATTRAKT alleged that the external production company ‘The Givers’ encouraged the termination of the original contracts. Legal battles continue between ATTRAKT, The Givers, and the former members.
Fan Reactions to New Members in FIFTY FIFTY
The revelation of FIFTY FIFTY’s new members has been met with excitement in Korean communities. Many comments praise the beauty and harmony of the four new members’ appearances. Fans were pleased that most of the expected members were accurately predicted. Particularly, Moon Chanelle and Yewon were recognized from previous competition programs, while curiosity surrounds the one unnamed member. Some fans joked that the last member might be called “Raenda(the Korean word meaning ‘they say’)”, based on a previous misunderstanding in a community.
Former Members’ Actions and Fan Reactions
Meanwhile, former members Saena, Sio, and Aran opened individual social media accounts, posting photos without captions and only following each other and an anti-ATTRAKT account. Their profile pictures feature characters from the Powerpuff Girls, a symbolic choice that suggests hidden intentions. Fan reactions to this move have been largely cynical. Korean fans question why they hold onto regrets after leaving their agency. Although international fans believe the former members might find a new agency, Korean fans remain doubtful. The legal dispute has made it difficult for them to make a successful comeback, as no agency wants to work with those labeled as traitors.
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Their first album was a masterpiece with every song being a banger. I’m hoping they can top that with their next release.