Legal Battle Over Copyright of FIFTY FIFTY's Hit Song 'Cupid' Intensifies

The copyright of the hit song 'Cupid' by the girl group FIFTY FIFTY has been ruled to belong to external music producer An Sung-il's company, The Givers, rather than their agency, ATTRAKT, according to a first-instance court ruling. ATTRAKT plans to appeal the decision immediately.

On the 9th, ATTRAKT stated, "Regarding the first-instance lawsuit over the copyright of 'Cupid' with The Givers, ATTRAKT is currently preparing an appeal along with legal review."

Previously, on the 8th, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 62 (Presiding Judge Lee Hyun-seok) dismissed ATTRAKT's copyright confirmation lawsuit against The Givers, stating, "The plaintiff's claims are without merit and are therefore dismissed." In response, The Givers commented, "ATTRAKT claimed the copyright of 'Cupid' belonged to them, but the court recognized that The Givers was the party to the copyright transfer contract, and all substantial actions such as contract signing, negotiation, and cost bearing were conducted through The Givers."

'Cupid' was released by FIFTY FIFTY in 2023 and achieved significant success, reaching a peak position of 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and remaining on the chart for 25 weeks.

Meanwhile, ATTRAKT is also engaged in a legal battle with An Sung-il, accusing him of tampering with FIFTY FIFTY. Former FIFTY FIFTY members Saena, Aran, and Sio have teamed up with An Sung-il to form a new trio girl group, ABLUM, and announced their re-debut.

FIFTY FIFTY made a comeback on the 29th of last month with their mini 3rd album 'Day and Night,' featuring double title tracks 'Pooky' and 'Midnight Special.'

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr