[Exclusive]It took a staggering 1,061 days.. What is the first-instance conclusion of the former Fifty Fifty members' 13 billion won tampering lawsuit? [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

The first-instance conclusion of the "tampering" lawsuit filed by former Fifty Fifty members Seo Na, Si-o, and Aran will be announced for the first time on November 13, exactly 1,061 days after the lawsuit was filed.

Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division No. 61 (Collegiate Panel) (D) is scheduled to hold a judgment announcement session on November 13 for the 13 billion won damages claim lawsuit filed by Attrax against a total of 12 individuals, including Seo Na, Si-o, and Aran.

Attrax filed a 13 billion won damages claim lawsuit on December 18, 2023, against Seo Na, Aran, Si-o, their parents, as well as Ahn Sung-il, CEO of The Givers, and Director Baek, totaling 12 defendants. However, after completing all preparations following the filing of the complaint, Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division No. 31 (D) could not commence the trial despite confirming the date for the first argument session, due to the three members filing counterclaims. Furthermore, they submitted applications to restrict access to lawsuit records and other litigation documents, showing efforts to keep all litigation issues completely confidential ahead of their transfer to a new team and potential re-debut activities.

After a considerable passage of time, the main trial date was finally set, but proceedings were strictly limited, with the first session in August 2025 also held in closed court. A legal industry source told StarNews, "It appears that sessions will not be made public for some time unless there are any unusual developments."

Subsequently, they eventually announced plans to resume activities by establishing a new base under IOK Company's label company MASSIVE E&C, emphasizing their contribution to Fifty Fifty's success by stating, "The three members played a pivotal role in achieving remarkable results with 'Cupid' and establishing it as a global mega-hit song."

The origins of this lawsuit trace back to June 2023. Fifty Fifty, which broke the record for the fastest entry into the Billboard Hot 100 chart in K-pop history with their hit song "Cupid," caused a stir on June 28, 2023, when members announced through legal representatives that they had filed an application for suspension of contract effectiveness against Attrax at Seoul Central District Court on June 19, and the trial is currently underway. Prior to this, Attrax surprised everyone by announcing surgery and treatment due to deteriorating member health and suspending activities, while also claiming that "external forces were identified attempting to induce artists under our agency to violate their exclusive contracts during this period."

Despite Attrax, led by Jeon Hong-jun (CEO), repeatedly expressing willingness to reconcile with the members and indicating readiness to resume activities at any time, the members remained silent for two months behind their families and lawyers, taking a firm stance that "if they don't pursue singing careers, so be it; they will absolutely not return." Later, in August, 60 days after declaring their separation from Attrax, the members revealed their feelings in handwritten letters, stating, "Through this incident, we hope that things forced upon us through improper means in our relationship with agencies are corrected."

However, Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division No. 50 previously rejected Fifty Fifty's application for suspension of contract effectiveness against Attrax, explaining the grounds for rejection: "It is difficult to conclude there was a violation of the obligation to provide settlement data; it is also hard to consider that violations of health management and consideration obligations have been sufficiently substantiated; and termination of business with The Givers does not constitute a breach of the exclusive contract."

However, Seo Na, Aran, and Si-o continued to pursue legal action. Even after the rejection of their appeal, they stated, "Since both parties declared contract termination, the exclusive contract has been terminated; there is no reason to contest the injunction due to changed circumstances, and the essence of this matter should be contested in the main lawsuit." They further argued, "Although we prepared content for the appeal review, the decision was made while submissions were delayed due to changes in the court panel, partial withdrawal of the appeal, notification of agency termination, etc. The decision that issues regarding the settlement structure for record and music streaming revenues, undisclosed details and items used for Fifty Fifty's production from advance payments paid by music distributors, and potential breach of trust by Director Chae Mu-ja (CEO) related to these matters should be determined in the main lawsuit remains unchanged."

They also filed a counterclaim against Attrax seeking 13 billion won in damages, explaining, "The purpose of the counterclaim is not merely to receive a portion of the disputed settlement funds owed to the three members. Before verifying the authenticity of Attrax's claim for 13 billion won in damages, it was deemed legally necessary and prioritized to clearly organize expenditure details related to each member's past entertainment activities." They continued, "This counterclaim was initiated after the responsible law firm conducted additional review following the rejection of the application for suspension of contract effectiveness filed against Attrax, confirming overall revenue details and proceeding with relevant procedures. To date, the three members have received no transparent settlement details from Attrax while participating in related lawsuits."

Meanwhile, Attrax also obtained a partial victory in a damages claim lawsuit filed against The Givers. Previously, Seoul Central District Court's Civil Collegiate Division No. 33 (Judge Choi Jong-jin (Director)) ruled in favor of Attrax in part in the damages claim lawsuit filed by Attrax against The Givers, An Seong-il (CEO), and Director Baek Jin-sil, ordering "The Givers and An (CEO) to jointly pay Attrax 499.5 million won."

Attrax announced that it is simultaneously proceeding with a 13 billion won damages claim lawsuit against former members Seo Na, Aran, and Si-o who left the team without authorization due to the tampering incident, along with their parents, The Givers, An Seong-il (CEO), and Director Baek Jin-sil, as well as a separate 20 billion won damages claim lawsuit filed against Warner Music Korea and Clayton Jin (Jin Seung-young).

Attention is focused on how the first conclusion of this lawsuit, which has been ongoing for nearly three years, will turn out.

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*This content was translated by AI.