• IOK Company Confirms No Legal Issues in Signing Three Former FIFTY FIFTY Members, Stage Names Remain

    IOK Company has officially signed Saena, Aran, and Sio, three former members of FIFTY FIFTY, who are currently in a legal dispute.

    On August 12, IOK Company told Newsen that all three members will keep their stage names, and there are no legal issues with their new contracts.

    When asked about any concerns over signing them while their legal battle with ATTRAKT is still ongoing, IOK Company said, "We received a legal opinion that the exclusive contract with their previous agency has been terminated, allowing them to continue their activities without any problems."

    Saena, Aran, and Sio have signed exclusive contracts with MASSIVE E&C, a new label under IOK Company. They plan to debut as a new idol group under MASSIVE E&C as soon as the second half of this year. IOK Company added, "We will fully support these talented and passionate members to help them grow on the global stage."

    Saena, Aran, and Sio originally debuted as part of the four-member group FIFTY FIFTY under ATTRAKT in November 2022. However, just seven months after their debut, they filed a lawsuit to end their contracts, accusing ATTRAKT of business negligence.

    The court sided with ATTRAKT, and in October, Kina, another member, withdrew her appeal and returned to ATTRAKT, apologizing to fans. ATTRAKT then terminated the contracts of Saena, Aran, and Sio, accusing them of serious breaches of contract.

    On October 26, the three members, through their lawyers, stated that both sides had agreed the contracts were terminated, and there was no longer a need to contest the injunction. They asked the media to stop speculating until the main lawsuit is settled.

    The reaction to the trio's new beginning with IOK Company has been mixed. While some international fans are excited for their comeback, many K-pop fans are critical, seeing their decision as too rushed, especially since the legal dispute with ATTRAKT is still unresolved.

    Meanwhile, ATTRAKT is moving forward with a new lineup for FIFTY FIFTY, led by original member Kina. The revamped group is set to release their second mini-album on September 20.

    Source: [1]

  • Rain Stops His Taiwan Concert for Emotional Tribute to Late Barbie Hsu—Fans Moved by His 10-Second Moment of Silence

    Singer and actor Rain (Jung Ji Hoon) touched hearts at his concert in Taiwan with a special tribute to the late Barbie Hsu.

    On February 15, Taiwanese media outlet ETtoday reported that Rain held his solo concert in Kaohsiung as part of his Still Raining Asia tour.

    Toward the end of the show, he brought up singer and DJ Koo Jun Yup, who recently lost his wife, saying, "Everyone is mourning together for Koo Jun Yup hyung’s pain."

    Rain continued, "Although I never met her, she was still my sister-in-law," before asking the audience to join him in a 10-second moment of silence to honor Barbie Hsu’s memory.

    He also shared heartfelt words, saying, "I want to pray for Koo Jun Yup," and urged fans to show support, adding, "Let’s all stand by him."

    Barbie Hsu tragically passed away on February 2 while in Japan due to pneumonia caused by the flu. After her passing, Koo Jun Yup expressed his deep sorrow on social media, writing, "On February 2, 2025, my angel returned to the sky. I am now going through indescribable sorrow and pain, as if my heart is being torn apart. I have no strength to say anything, nor do I want to."

    Rain’s touching gesture left fans emotional, showing his respect and support for Koo Jun Yup during this difficult time.

    Source: [1]