The recent return of FIFTY FIFTY Keena has led to the resolution of the group’s contentious lawsuit. Unlike the circulating rumors, ATTRAKT has decided not to disband FIFTY FIFTY and reform the group as a new generation (Gen 2) centering on Keena with 3 new members. In addition to becoming the center of the new Gen 2 girl group, FIFTY FIFTY Keena has also demanded SBS “Unanswered Questions” to scrap her previous interviews. Apparently, this interview was reportedly fabricated by The Givers CEO Ahn Sung Il. Dive deeper into the possible future of FIFTY FIFTY with its Gen 2 members and disband cancelation in the following report.
ATTRAKT Will NOT Disband FIFTY FIFTY: Keena Leading 3 New Members in the Gen 2
Following the recent closure of the controversial lawsuit, ATTRAKT has decided not to disband its flagship artist, FIFTY FIFTY. Instead, the company will proceed with its plans to establish a new Kpop girl group.
Centering on Keena, ATTRAKT will reportedly rebrand and reform FIFTY FIFTY with new generation members (Gen 2) while maintaining the group’s iconic style and music.
In a phone interview with Star News, ATTRAKT CEO Jeon Hong Joon disclosed his strategy for rebranding FIFTY FIFTY into a new girl group. With this plan in motion, local and international media began naming this plan as FIFTY FIFTY Gen 2.
According to the ATTRAKT CEO, the company agreed not to disband FIFTY FIFTY. Instead, they plan to rebrand FIFTY FIFTY into a new generation girl group, FIFTY FIFTY Gen 2, centering on Keena.
Still, since it has only been a while since Keena’s return, ATTRAKT CEO also stated that Keena must enter a self-reflection before re-debuting with the new girl group. Besides, the company is still in the initial process of preparing the project with JTBC.
After all, FIFTY FIFTY has always been the company’s flagship brand. Therefore, ATTRAKT will continue prioritizing the new FIFTY FIFTY Gen 2 project.
“First, Billboard has introduced a renewed vitality to FIFTY FIFTY. Therefore, we plan to FIFTY FIFTY into a new group with 4 members, including Keena. And this new girl group project is our top priority.
However, the reorganization has not started yet, and Keena must self-reflect beforehand.”
Jeon Hong Joon, ATTRAKT CEO.
Disband Cancelation: The Return of Keena is Miracle that Kickstarts FIFTY FIFTY Gen 2
In addition to describing plans for FIFTY FIFTY Gen 2, CEO Jeon also revealed that reaching this point was a miracle for him. That is because he initially thought FIFTY FIFTY would just disband and disappear into the history of Kpop.
Yet, Keena’s return was a miracle that changed everything. Along with the Billboard nominations, the return of Keena has kickstarted the plans to reform FIFTY FIFTY with the new members.
“Initially, there was no certainty that FIFTY FIFTY would come back. It just seemed they might fade into the records of Kpop history.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, Keena returned to the fold, and at the same time, FIFTY FIFTY received a nomination for a Billboard award.
Recognizing the challenges of gaining international recognition and acknowledging the group as a significant intellectual property, ATTRAKT promises to ensure their participation in the event by all means necessary.
Given that the event is taking place online, we are currently preparing for an important video interview or a keynote address.”
Jeon Hong Joon, ATTRAKT CEO.
Honored to be a finalist at this year’s #BBMAs
— FIFTY FIFTY Official (@we_fiftyfifty) October 27, 2023
HUNNIES, tune in Sunday, November 19 via @BBMAs, @billboard and https://t.co/8pA3jslh2K! pic.twitter.com/oJW7Gbd2qW
The Givers’ CEO Ahn Sung Il is NOT Giving Up: Suing ATTRAKT CEO in a New Lawsuit
At the same time, the alleged scammer and CEO of The Givers, Ahn Sung Il, has reportedly sued ATTRAKT CEO Jeon Hong Joon in a new lawsuit.
Yoon & Yang Law Firm, Ahn Sung Il’s legal representative, claimed that CEO Jeon has constantly defamed him and The Givers’ director Baek Jin Sil. Besides, they also believed that CEO Jeon had been spreading false rumors about Ahn Sung Il gaslighting FIFTY FIFTY members and instigating them to disband the contract and fight ATTRAKT.
“Jeon Hong Joon repeatedly made baseless defamatory comments about CEO Ahn Sung Il and General Director Baek Jin Sil through different media channels amidst disagreements over ending an exclusive contract.
They were also accused of disseminating misinformation, suggesting that an external party had enticed ATTRAKT’s artists into breaching their exclusive contracts and that they were manipulating FIFTY FIFTY.”
Ahn Sung Il’s legal representatives.
According to the lawyers, Ahn Sung Il indeed had conversations with the parents of FIFTY FIFTY members. These parents came to Ahn Sung Il, asking questions about filing an injunction against ATTRAKT and the following consequences. However, Ahn Sung Il simply answered these questions without ill intentions.
Therefore, Ahn Sung Il will reportedly file additional complaints against CEO Jeon for false accusations and obstruction of business.
FIFTY FIFTY Members Interview with SBS “Unanswered Questions” Reportedly Fabricated: Keena Demands a Discard
Still, despite Ahn Sung Il’s legal complaints, Keena revealed more unexpected facts amid FIFTY FIFTY disband cancelation and Gen 2 reformation.
On November 4, Munhwa Ilbo exclusively reported that Keena had sent a content certification to the SBS program, “Unanswered Questions.” In her request, Keena demanded the program discard the interview she did before returning to ATTRAKT.
But what is the reason for this request?
Ahn Sung Il Allegedly Manipulated the Interview
According to Keena, those interviews had been fabricated and manipulated by Ahn Sung Il.
Munhwa Ilbo had acquired the transcript of a phone call between Keena’s father and Ahn Sung Il on August 30. It was 11 days after the FIFTY FIFTY first coverage in SBS “Unanswered Questions”.
During the phone conversation, Ahn Sung Il asked Keena’s father what Keena would answer in the interview. He also suggested a scripted answer for FIFTY FIFTY members under the justification of ‘possible legal issues.’
“How will you answer the program’s interview? Using a script is better than answering emotionally as it could be slightly dangerous.
If the parents agree, we could help you with the interview.
We can consider the appropriate manner for conversation and the careful choice of words required. I can provide my insights on these matters and compile them for your consideration.
I’ve just spoken with the attorney, and you mentioned having prepared for the anticipated questionnaire. Please forward it to us first. We will review and add our comments, then discuss these matters further with the legal team.”
Ahn Sung Il to Keena’s father.
The Givers and SBS “Unanswered Questions” Gave No Responses
With the new revelations from Keena and her father, Munhwa Ilbo tried contacting both The Givers and SBS “Unanswered Questions” for further confirmation. Unfortunately, both parties refuse to answer the attempts.
“Munhwa Ilbo asked PD Cho and Chief Producer of ‘Unanswered Questions’ for confirmation via phone call and text messages on November 1. Despite attempting to contact them 3 days a row, they did not respond to the calls and text messages.
Additionally, Munhwa Ilbo attempted to call Producer Ahn Sung Il to hear his side of the story. We wanted to ensure his right to provide statements.
Unfortunately, Producer Ahn did not even respond to the text messages.”
Munhwa Ilbo.
At last, ATTRAKT has indeed moved on with the FIFTY FIFTY Gen 2 project with Keena and future members. However, although the Kpop group FIFTY FIFTY did not eventually disband, the controversial lawsuit between ATTRAKT and The Givers continues.
So, what do you think about this update? Feel free to share them in the comments.
Source: Star News, OSEN, MBN, Munhwa Ilbo.
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