Attract, the agency of the group Fifty Fifty, expressed its position regarding its partial victory in a damages lawsuit filed against The Gibus.
Earlier, on the 15th, the Civil Division 33 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Choi Jong-jin) ruled in part in favor of the plaintiff in a damages claim filed by Attract CEO Jeon Hong-joon against The Gibus CEO Ahn Seong-il and director Baek. The court ruled, "The Gibus and Ahn Seong-il shall jointly pay the plaintiff 499.5 million won."
In response, Attract said on the 16th, "We believe this is a very welcome result, albeit late, because it is the first case in which the court recognized The Gibus and CEO Ahn Seong-il's obstruction of business and embezzlement."
It added, "Our company prioritizes the rights and interests of our contracted artists and holds the principle that we must respond firmly to actions that harm artists," and said, "Under this principle, through this lawsuit we wanted to show a 'fair and just' sincere heart, and it is some consolation that the defendants seem to have faced the 'reap what you sow' consequences."
It also emphasized, "The company is also pursuing a 13 billion won damages claim against the three former members who unlawfully left the team over the tampering incident (Saena, Aran, Shio), their three parents, The Gibus, CEO Ahn Seong-il and director Baek Jin-sil, as well as a 20 billion won damages claim filed against Warner Music Korea and Clayton Jin (Jin Seung-young)."
Finally, Attract CEO Jeon Hong-joon said through the agency, "I will devote myself to the lawsuit so that it sets a good precedent rather than a bad one for the future vision and development of K-pop. I bow my head and express my deep gratitude to everyone who has sent warm support and encouragement."
Meanwhile, Fifty Fifty earlier filed for a preliminary injunction to suspend the effect of the exclusive contract against Attract in June 2023. Their position was that trust was broken due to Attract's opaque accounting and violation of member health management obligations. However, the court dismissed the request, and they filed an appeal.
However, member Kiana did not join the three members in their stance and alone submitted a withdrawal of the appeal and returned to Attract. In particular, after returning, Kiana claimed that The Gibus producer Ahn Seong-il, affiliated with Fifty Fifty's related company, was behind the controversy. The injunction was also dismissed in the second instance.
Attract statement regarding the damages lawsuit ruling against The Gibus.
Hello. This is Attract, agency of Fifty Fifty.
First, on the 15th the Civil Division 33 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Choi Jong-jin) issued a partial victory ruling in the damages claim filed by Attract against The Gibus, CEO Ahn Seong-il and director Baek, ordering "The Gibus and CEO Ahn shall jointly pay Attract 49,950,000 won."
We believe this is a very welcome result, albeit late, because it is the first case in which the court recognized The Gibus and CEO Ahn Seong-il's obstruction of business and embezzlement. Our company prioritizes the rights and interests of our contracted artists and holds the principle that we must respond firmly to actions that harm artists.
Under this principle, through this lawsuit we wanted to show a "Gong Myoung-jeongdae" sincere heart, and it is some consolation that the defendants seem to have faced the "in-gwa-eung-bo" consequences.
Separate from the lawsuit, we extend warm thanks to the fans who have loved and supported Fifty Fifty with the same unwavering heart then and now. We believe Fifty Fifty as they are now exists because of the fans' love and support.
Fueled by the warm support you have given us, we will repay you with better music and activities.
We also note that the company is pursuing a 13 billion won damages claim against the three former members who unlawfully left the team over the tampering incident (Saena, Aran, Shio), their three parents, The Gibus, CEO Ahn Seong-il and director Baek Jin-sil, and a 20 billion won damages claim filed against Warner Music Korea and Clayton Jin (Jin Seung-young).
Finally, Attract CEO Jeon Hong-joon said, "I will devote myself to the lawsuit so that it sets a good precedent rather than a bad one for the future vision and development of K-pop. I bow my head and express my deep gratitude to everyone who has sent warm support and encouragement," and conveyed his resolve with gratitude. Thank you.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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