Looking Back At Company-Hopping Controversies Of 2023: FIFTY FIFTY and EXO-CBX

These are two of the biggest KPOP controversies in 2023

FIFTY FIFTY, which debuted in November 2022, rose to stardom at a glance when the title track of its second album, “Cupid,” hit global music charts. At that time, the speed-up version of “Cupid” became very popular on the short video platform Tiktok. The song later ranked 17th on the U.S. Billboard main single chart “Hot 100” and 8th on the U.K. official “Single Chart Top 100.” As a rookie girl group from a small agency, FIFTY FIFTY achieved unprecedented results, drawing public attention as a “small company miracle.”

However, in June, all FIFTY FIFTY members filed a provisional injunction against their agency ATTAKT to suspend the validity of their exclusive contracts. The girls claimed that the agency violated the contract and lost their trust. They argued that the agency forced them to work and did not take into account the members’ health conditions.

However, ATTAKT argued that the reason behind the members’ sudden request for injunction was an attempt by outside forces to “steal” them. In particular, The Givers, ATTAKT’s outsource partner, was believed to be the culprit.

In August, the 50th Civil Affairs Department of the Seoul Central District Court dismissed FIFTY FIFTY’s application for temporary injunction to suspend the validity of their exclusive contract. The members appealed against the court’s decision, but the court also rejected the appeal.

In October, member Keena withdrew her appeal and returned to Attract. Keena claimed that The Givers’ producer Ahn Sung-il proposed this lawsuit and accused him of “gaslighting” the members.

Recently, ATTAKT terminated their contracts with the remaining members, Saena, Shio and Aran. In addition, it has filed a lawsuit against the three The Givers for compensation and penalty worth 13 billion won.

FIFTY FIFTY was not the only one embroiled in a contract termination controversy this year. In July, EXO’s Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin filed a lawsuit against SM over unfair payments and contracts. MC Mong was embroiled in allegations that he tried to lure the members to Big Planet Made Entertainment, where he was an executive director. At the time, however, MC Mong completely refuted the allegations, claiming that he actually only gave advice as a senior to the idols who were about to renew their contracts. In the end, EXO-CBX and SM reached a mutual agreement, saying the two sides have resolved their misunderstandings.

Source: daum