On April 16th, Attrakt, the agency representing FIFTY FIFTY, and CEO Jeon Hong-Joon initiated legal proceedings against CP Han Jae-shin and PD Cho Sang-yeon of SBS’s “Unanswered Questions,” alleging defamation stemming from biased broadcast content.
The controversy revolves around an episode titled “Billboards and Girl Groups – Who Broke The Wings”, which featured FIFTY FIFTY and aired on August 19th, 2023, shortly before a lawsuit verdict regarding the termination of exclusive contracts with three former FIFTY FIFTY members.
Criticism of the program’s biased approach surfaced among viewers, prompting 1146 complaints to the Korea Broadcasting Standards Committee, making it the most complained-about program. In response, the committee acknowledged the broadcast’s deceptive nature and issued a formal ‘warning’ to “Unanswered Questions”.
Legal representative Kim asserted that “Unanswered Questions” violated broadcasting regulations, specifically Articles 11 and 14, which safeguard fair trial rights and mandate accurate, objective reporting.
CEO Jeon Hong-joon voiced concern over the impact of biased broadcasts on FIFTY FIFTY and the broader K-pop industry, citing a survival crisis following a tampering incident. He emphasized the need for accountability and justice in the industry, stating, “Such biased broadcasts tarnish the image of the entire K-pop industry and cause confusion among viewers.”
Expressing disappointment over the lack of a sincere apology from the defendants, CEO Jeon Hong-Joon reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to upholding integrity and justice, pledging to pursue the lawsuit to protect the company’s reputation and advocate for fairness in the K-pop community.
