Korean media outlet TenAsia reports that CEO Ahn Seong-il of The Givers is under police investigation. The investigation involves charges of obstruction of business, breach of trust, and damage to electronic records.
On October 24, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul plans to investigate CEO Ahn Seong-il and a director named Baek on charges of obstruction of business, breach of trust, and damage to electronic records.
Fifty Fifty debuted in November 2022 and released the song “Cupid” in February 2023. “Cupid” achieved significant results overseas, including on the US Billboard main chart and the UK official chart. As they are newcomers from a small and medium-sized entertainment company, rather than a large entertainment company known as the existing Big 4 domestically, they were given the title “miracle of small and medium-sized idols.”
However, less than a year after their debut, a dispute arose with the agency Attrakt over the exclusive contract. Attrakt claimed that there was an external force that induced the members to violate their exclusive contracts.
CEO Ahn Seong-il was mentioned as an external force. CEO Ahn Seong-il is the general producer of 5PP. Attrakt sued CEO Ahn Seong-il for obstruction of business, damage to electronic records, and fraud. However, the members said there was no external force and pointed out that the agency’s unclear settlement and violation of healthcare obligations were problems.
Afterwards, the members’ request for a temporary injunction against the agency to suspend their exclusive contract was dismissed. Recently, member Kina submitted a withdrawal of appeal and returned to the agency. She also revealed that there was gaslighting by CEO Ahn Seong-il during the return process.
On October 23, Attrakt announced that the remaining three members of Fifty Fifty, excluding Kina, have terminated their exclusive contracts as of October 19.
