Korean lawmaker proposes 'Fifty Fifty Act' that would protect small entertainment agencies

Rep. Ha Tae-keung talks about his proposed bill that aims to protect small and medium-sized entertainment agencies at a press room in the National Assembly on Monday. [OFFICE OF REP. HA TAE KEUNG]

A Korean lawmaker has introduced a bill to protect small and medium-sized entertainment agencies.

Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the People Power Party, five representatives from the music industry, including the vice president of Fifty Fifty's agency Attrakt, Choi Seung-ho, held a press conference at the National Assembly on Monday to announce the proposed bill, or the so-called Fifty Fifty Act.

Ha, who drafted the bill that revises the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act, said, "A balanced development between artists and agencies is necessary to further revitalize the industry as K-pop gains international recognition."

The revision would add entertainment agencies to the list of entities for which the Korea Creative Content Agency provides legal support, including in mediating contract disputes.

He added, "Agencies, along with artists, will also be protected to promote sustainable development in the K-pop industry."

The Record Label Industry Association of Korea Chairman Yoon Dong-hwan said, "Many problems are being discovered due to the Fifty Fifty case."

"Artists are not the only people who are striving for their dreams. Producers also endure the long pain to achieve the dream with their artists," Yoon said.

The legal dispute between the members of Fifty Fifty and its agency Attrkat started when the members filed an injunction in June to end their contracts with the agency after its track "Cupid," released on Feb. 24, has gained worldwide popularity, landing atop Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks in a row.

Member Keena dropped her case and returned to the agency on Oct. 16. The other three members — Aran, Sio and Saena — had their contracts terminated by Attrakt on Oct. 19, followed by a court dismissing the members' request to have their exclusive contracts with their agency Attrakt be nullified on Oct. 25.

Attrakt filed a 13-billion-won ($10 million) damages suit against the girl group's three former members, and those the company alleges are involved in the breach of contract between the members and the agency on Tuesday.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]