Contrary to the norm that is pop music that we know and love, Korean pop groups and artists have swept the nation in the past decade. Groups like BTS, BlackPink, and Twice have not gone unheard of, and since their debut have made their big break on mainstream music, amassing billions of streams per release.

Since these groups have brought an onset of success for the Korean pop (kpop) community, the genre has gained popularity in the past years and made its upcoming groups more familiar to a variety of music listeners.

Because of the groups that made such a big success before them, there is an abundance of pressure on rookie groups to live up to the fame and even exceed what once was. Girl group Fifty Fifty was one of these modern groups, however their story is unlike the others.

Fifty Fifty is a South-Korean girl group who began with the release of their debut song “Higher”, alongside their first mini album “The Fifty” on November 18, 2022. 

After releasing their four-track mini album, Fifty Fifty had a smaller standing to begin with until they released their sophomore mini album “The Beginning: Cupid” in February of this year. 

The album’s title track, “Cupid”, made Fifty Fifty increasingly popular since their debut. The song is notorious for its upbeat and catchy lyrics and rapidly spread on social media such as TikTok. 

The success from “Cupid” earned Fifty Fifty a No. 24 rank on Billboard’s “Hot 100” chart and eventually climbed to No. 13. Additionally, they became one of the most rapid and first groups to rank on the UK Singles Chart and even secured a song on the soundtrack of the hit movie “Barbie”.

After their big break, Fifty Fifty’s fanbase awaited their next comeback. The group remained in silence- until it was broken.

Following the two-month medical leave of Fifty Fifty member Aran, entertainment company ATTRAKT revealed that Fifty Fifty was being enticed into other agencies such as the outside label and producers The Givers. The Givers, under contract, had attempted to tempt the girls into signing with Warner Music Korea by breaking their contract with ATTRAKT through illegal measures.

ATTRAKT released a statement speaking up about this scandal and said they will strive to keep Fifty Fifty together as a group and protect them. In contrast to this rather hopeful statement, it is only a fallacy.

In the concluding days of June, the members took the surprising initiative to file a lawsuit against ATTRAKT in association with the Seoul Central District Court. It was revealed that the agency was at fault for breaching their contract terms. 

They each addressed their side of the situation in a series of letters to fans. The girls reached out saying that they took to court based on facts from ATTRAKT’s actions and apologized for the heartbreaking scandal and news revolving their position in the music industry.

As a result of the case filing, the court attempted to mediate through both parties. Fifty Fifty revealed that they had no intent to resolve the case through mediation.

All in all, fans, supporters, and listeners of the group are still “fifty-fifty” in response to this major situation. Some side with ATTRAKT, and some side with the girls. Should Fifty Fifty give a second chance to Cupid, or their company?