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]

Red Velvet's Yeri might be stepping into the acting world full-time soon as she considers leaving SM Entertainment and joining a new agency!

On April 9, Blitzway Studio, which houses several popular actors, confirmed to Newsen that they are in talks with Yeri about signing an exclusive contract. However, they were careful not to reveal too many details.

Earlier, on April 4, SM Entertainment announced that Yeri and fellow member Wendy’s exclusive contracts had ended. While both are leaving the company, they will remain part of Red Velvet and continue to participate in group activities.

Yeri, who debuted in 2014 with Red Velvet’s hit song “Happiness”, has already dabbled in acting. She made her acting debut in 2021, appearing in KBS’ Drama Stage 2021 - Mint Condition and Playlist’s Blue Birthday.

She then gained more attention in 2023 for her role in the Netflix series Bitch and Rich.

This year, Yeri is set to make her big-screen debut in the upcoming movie Next, which is scheduled for release soon!

Blitzway Studio is already home to popular actors like Go Du Shim, Jung Ryeo Won, and Ju Ji Hoon, among others. In 2023, actor Kim Woo Seok from the group Up10tion also signed an exclusive contract with the agency.

Will Yeri focus more on acting in the future? Fans are excited to see what’s next for her as she takes this big step in her career!

Source: [1]