Warner Music Responds Amidst FIFTY FIFTY's Contract Dispute: 'We Have Not Considered Any Partnership'

The controversy surrounding the girl group FIFTY FIFTY continues as Warner Music, the company in charge of FIFTY FIFTY's international distribution, has spoken out. In the midst of the ongoing clash between FIFTY FIFTY's agency, Attract, and their producer, The Givers, Warner Music has been communicating with both sides, and their perspective could prove to be the key to discerning the truth.

On July 18, Yun Mo, the Executive Vice President of Warner Music, expressed caution during a phone call with Culture Daily. Despite his hesitation, Yun Mo provided relatively clear responses. He is the individual who had previously been noted in an audio recording shared by Attrakt's CEO, Jeon Hong-jun, to have proposed a "20 billion buyout."

Initially, CEO Jeon had made it clear that he preferred an advance investment strategy over selling his company to The Givers' producer, An Sung-il, under a 'label deal.' Jeon insisted that "going public is my goal and honor." This can also be confirmed through the text messages exchanged between the two on April 22.

CEO Jeon met with the CEO and EVP of Warner Music on May 8, and no discussion of a label deal took place. However, Yun Mo mentioned a "20 billion buyout" in a phone call to Jeon the next day, May 9.

Regarding the situation, Yun Mo stated, "I needed to confirm with CEO Jeon directly. He replied, 'I won't discuss that' (rejecting label deal and buyout), 'I will go public.'" This confirmed Jeon's original stance of rejecting a label deal and opting to grow the company himself.

After the proposal for a label deal fell through, Warner Music, which was interested in FIFTY FIFTY, proposed an advance investment to Attrakt. Yun Mo confirmed this, saying, "We were discussing an advance payment. We were negotiating the contract." While producer An Sung-il advised against going public due to its difficulties, encouraging a different path, Warner Music viewed CEO Jeon's intention to grow the company without giving up shares positively.

Amidst the ongoing dispute, Warner Music's silence has sparked speculation that they might be eyeing FIFTY FIFTY. If the group's application for a preliminary injunction to suspend the effect of their exclusive contract is accepted, they will be able to engage in independent activities. However, it is virtually impossible for the group's four members, who have primarily grown in overseas markets, to operate independently without the help of a professional agency. Concerns have been raised that if FIFTY FIFTY's injunction application is accepted, they might team up with Warner Music or The Givers.

Addressing these concerns, Yun Mo drew a clear line, saying, "We have not considered any of that yet." He added, "FIFTY FIFTY is currently being distributed overseas through Warner Music, and we are conducting business through Attract, not The Givers." He emphasized his distance from allegations linking him with producer An, a former Warner Music employee.

One industry insider noted, "Small to medium-sized production companies and producers are keeping an eye on Warner Music. They foresee a heated legal battle between Attract and The Givers, with Warner Music likely appearing as a witness or reference. If Warner Music directly partners with FIFTY FIFTY after their exclusive contract suspension injunction is accepted, they will face massive criticism and an irreversible moral blow."

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