Former FIFTY FIFTY members Aran, Saena, and Sio are preparing to debut again as the new girl group ablume. However, their prospects in Korea seem bleak.
Their past contract dispute and betrayal controversy have already deeply disappointed domestic fans, and currently, Korean online communities are mostly mocking ablume’s re-debut. Can ablume find success in Korea?
1. Betrayal Controversy and Image Decline – No Place to Return
When FIFTY FIFTY gained global recognition with their hit song “Cupid”, ATTRAKT’s CEO devoted himself to the group’s success, even investing his mother’s retirement funds. However, at this crucial moment, Aran, Saena, and Sio allegedly colluded with producer Ahn Sung-il to break their contract, leading to severe criticism.
Later, when Keena returned to ATTRAKT, it was revealed that Ahn Sung-il had orchestrated the contract termination. This revelation intensified the betrayal controversy surrounding the former members.
The agency waited for six months, hoping the members would return, but ultimately, only Keena came back, while the other three members terminated their contracts and moved to a new company.
As a result, these three members are now widely perceived in Korea as “figures who abandoned their struggling CEO after sharing hardships together.” This perception has left a strong negative impression on both fans and the general public.
2. Ignored by Korean Broadcasters – The FIFTY FIFTY Controversy
The FIFTY FIFTY contract dispute became a major controversy in Korea and was even covered on SBS’s investigative program, reflecting the scale of the issue. However, the program was criticized for biased reporting that seemingly sided with the members and Ahn Sung-il, further aggravating public opinion.
Following the broadcast, SBS received an overwhelming number of complaint calls from viewers who believed the program failed to report the facts objectively.
Even after this, ATTRAKT’s CEO continued to hope for the members’ return, but in the end, only Keena came back. Meanwhile, the remaining members took unexpected legal action, demanding settlement payments instead.
These events have completely destroyed the credibility of ablume members in Korea, making it highly unlikely that they will be welcomed back on domestic television.
3. ablume and Korea’s Cold Reception – “Now They Want to Debut Again?”
As FIFTY FIFTY members prepare for their re-debut as ablume, Korean online communities have continued to ridicule their attempt.
Some comments from Korean netizens:
- “They betrayed for money, and now they are giving up on Korean TV and trying to go global?”
- “Even if they debut, they won’t make it in Korea. No way they’ll be on TV.”
- “It would be better if they apologized and returned to ATTRAKT, but they are pushing forward.”
- “Even SBS, which supported them, will probably avoid them now.”
The overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly negative, with many opposing ablume’s activities in Korea.
4. ablume’s Only Option – Targeting the Overseas Market?
Given the situation, ablume’s continued activities in Korea seem almost impossible. Their chances of appearing on television are slim, and public opinion has turned against them.
Their only possible route to success is the overseas market. However, global fans are also aware of the controversy, making it uncertain whether they can regain the level of interest they had during their peak.
Furthermore, without the support of Korean fans, it is extremely difficult for a K-pop group to achieve long-term success internationally.
5. Conclusion: ablume’s Chances in Korea Are Close to Zero
The former FIFTY FIFTY members are preparing to debut as ablume, but their chances of being accepted in Korea are nearly nonexistent.
- Betrayal controversy and damaged image
- Being ignored by broadcasters
- Cold reception from online communities
Considering these factors, ablume will likely focus on overseas activities instead of Korea. However, since their past controversy remains widely known, their ability to sustain a long-term career remains uncertain.
Will ablume succeed overseas, or will they fade into obscurity amid controversy?
