The highly publicized contract dispute involving K-Pop sensation FIFTY FIFTY has taken another significant turn as the group prepares to enter the courtroom.

After months of legal maneuvering and public speculation, the Seoul Central District Court has confirmed that the first trial date for the lawsuit filed by ATTRAKT against former members Saena, Sio, Aran, and their parents will commence on August 29.

The lawsuit, initially filed last December, seeks ₩13.0 billion KRW (approximately $9.41 million USD) in damages from the former members and their families.

However, health issues were NOT the main reason FIFTY FIFTY filed the lawsuit.

FIFTY FIFTY received a strange settlement statement from ATTRAKT that listed extensive expenses but no music revenue, only 25,000 KRW television revenue per member.

The members discovered their music… pic.twitter.com/o0H7faVaa0

— FIGHT FOR FIFI (@FightForFifi) December 22, 2023

This legal battle has captivated both fans and industry insiders alike, marking one of the most substantial contract disputes in recent K-Pop history.

FIFTY FIFTY, known for their meteoric rise with the debut hit "Cupid," which secured a place on the Billboard Hot 100 just 130 days after their debut, had their trajectory abruptly altered when they announced their intent to suspend their exclusive contract with ATTRAKT in June 2023.

Member Keena initially joined the legal dispute but later withdrew her appeal and returned to ATTRAKT.

READ MORE: FIFTY FIFTY Re-Organized As 5-Membered Group Including Keena + To Release Comeback On THIS Month

In response to the turmoil, ATTRAKT has moved forward by recruiting four new members through private auditions, aiming for a comeback with an album slated for release in September.

The agency expressed optimism about the future of the group, now restructured as a five-member ensemble.

"We went through difficult times where we had to stop everything due to unfortunate events. We have been holding private auditions to find new members.

Fortunately, we were able to confirm four new members in April. The group will make start new as a five-member group including existing member Keena."

The unfolding drama has elicited mixed reactions from netizens, reflecting the intense scrutiny faced by celebrities in South Korea.

Many expressed disappointment and skepticism towards the former members, questioning their decision to pursue legal action despite their promising careers.

• "Please be ruined from generation to generation, you guys ㅋㅋㅋㅋ"
• "I was interested because of their good vocal tones, but why did they do that..."
• "The goose that lays the golden egg has cut its own belly"
• "You kicked away a bright future and chose this lawsuit ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ absurd"
• "Absurd"
• "Seriously, I don't understand. Even if the lawsuit somehow ends, what next? Who will take them?"
• "I wanted to hear Aran's voice with a good song ㅜㅜ...."

Despite the uncertainty surrounding FIFTY FIFTY's future, supporters of the group's original members continue to express hope and admiration for their talents.

However, the path ahead remains unclear as the impending legal proceedings loom large over their prospects in the highly competitive K-Pop industry.

ALSO READ: Ex-FIFTY FIFTY Stars Forced to Surrender Earnings Until Massive Debt is Cleared

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Cassidy Jones.