K-pop Agency Attract to Appeal Court Ruling Over ‘Cupid’ Copyright Case

South Korean entertainment agency Attract has announced its intention to file an appeal after losing the first trial in a copyright dispute over the viral K-pop hit ‘Cupid’, performed by the girl group FIFTY FIFTY.

On April 8, the Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 62 dismissed Attract’s claim against music production company The Givers, stating that the plaintiff’s claims had no legal grounds. The court ruled, “The plaintiff’s demands are without merit and are all dismissed.”

Following the decision, Attract released an official statement: “In relation to the first trial ruling against The Givers regarding the ‘Cupid’ copyright property rights, Attract is currently conducting a legal review and is preparing to appeal.”

The agency also expressed gratitude to fans and the public, stating, “We sincerely appreciate your interest in both FIFTY FIFTY and Attract. We will provide further updates as the legal process continues.”

This dispute began when Attract accused The Givers of attempting to tamper with FIFTY FIFTY’s contracts and claimed ownership over the copyright of ‘Cupid’. The lawsuit was filed in an effort to obtain the transfer of copyright from The Givers to Attract.

The copyright battle remains a high-profile case in the K-pop industry, highlighting the complexities surrounding intellectual property and artist management in the booming global music market.