▲ Five members of K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty pose for photos at the media showcase for their second mini-album "Love Tune" in Seoul on Sept. 20, 2024. FIFTY FIFTY debuted as a four-member group in 2022 and gained global popularity with their hit song "Cupid." However, all four members were involved in a contract dispute with their agency ATTRAKT, causing significant controversy. Amid the dispute, only Kina returned to the group.(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Sept. 20 (Yonhap) -- "It's an honor and a joy to show you the new beginning of FIFTY FIFTY like this." (Kina)

 

Girl group FIFTY FIFTY has overcome a major controversy surrounding their contract dispute and returned as a 5-member group. Led by original member Kina, the group has welcomed new members Moonchanell, Yewon, Hana, and Athena. On the 20th, they released their second mini-album, Love Tune.

 

At the album release showcase held in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Kina expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thanks to the many people who supported us, I didn't lose this precious opportunity and could challenge myself again. I'm truly relieved to be on stage again with such great new members."

 

FIFTY FIFTY, which debuted in November 2022, gained widespread attention when their song "Cupid" went viral on short-form platforms. It made its way onto major charts such as the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100, earning them the label "the miracle of small agency idols."

 

However, the group soon became embroiled in a legal battle with their agency, ATTRAKT, filing for an injunction to suspend their exclusive contract. This led to accusations of tampering (pre-expiry contract negotiations). Amid the controversy, only Kina remained in the group, representing FIFTY FIFTY at events like the Billboard Music Awards.

 

Kina reflected, "During the long hiatus, I had time to reflect on myself. I've consistently practiced to improve musically." She emphasized her desire to show the public her genuine passion for music.

 

The release of Love Tune marks FIFTY FIFTY's first album since their hit single "The Beginning: Cupid" in February of last year, a gap of 19 months. The new album includes the title track "SOS," the pre-released song "Starry Night," as well as other tracks like "Push Your Love," which supports various kinds of love, and "Gravity," a track that combines hyper-pop with rock and classical elements.

 

▲ Five members of K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty pose for photos at the media showcase for their second mini-album "Love Tune" in Seoul on Sept. 20, 2024. (Yonhap)

 

Both "SOS" and "Starry Night" are also available in English, targeting a global audience. Hana described Love Tune as "an album where the beautiful voices of all five members shine together," and she expressed her eagerness to perform it on many stages.

 

"SOS" carries a message of listening to one's inner voice when feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Swedish producer Adam von Mentzer, who worked on "Cupid," contributed to the track, creating a dreamy sound with a mix of synths and light rhythms, complemented by the members' fresh, bright vocals.

 

Athena, who opens the song, said, "Since I was selected for the team based on my vocal tone, I focused a lot on making sure my unique sound came through."

 

FIFTY FIFTY has promised to stay active and showcase a variety of performances and quality music in the future. Moonchanell shared, "From the start, it felt like destiny that our teamwork clicked so well." Kina added, "The five of us are determined to unite and show new music once again."

 

Reflecting on their journey, Kina concluded, "Through this experience, I realized the importance of 'conversation.' I’ve come to believe that communication requires many conversations. I’ve learned to listen not only to my own story but also to others’ stories."

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]