FIFTY FIFTY is the rookie K-Pop girl group under the agency ATTRAKT that just debuted in 2022. Consisting of members SaeNa, Aran, Keena, and SiO, their success has been nothing short of a miracle. Having debuted with the single 'Higher' on November 18, 2022, fans and critics were already anticipating the future of this brand new girl group.
Their group name FIFTY FIFTY is said to have two separate meanings. The first meaning of their name combines them and their fans; the first "50" represents their fans and the other half represents themselves. With these two combined, it makes 100 or a "whole." The second meaning of their name is โdream worldโ vs. reality, with โ50โ representing each respective โhalf,โ and this is meant to express the concept of their travels in between the real world full of challenges and an ideal world thatโs filled with nothing but love, friendship, and happiness.
With their hopes and dreams of sharing their personal stories and journey with their fans through music, FIFTY FIFTY was able to show the world just how great they are with all the success they've acquired in just a few months.
They released their first single album titled "The Beginning: Cupid" on February 24, 2023 and just shortly after, their song 'Cupid' hit the charts. Impressively, the song went viral and they entered the US Billboard Hot 100, making them the fastest K-Pop group ever to do so. Having managed to gain this kind of success and popularity within just four months of debuting has put them on the path to longterm success in the industry.
In the midst of this immediate rise to popularity, there was a roundtable interview with the group where they discussed their group activities and shared various thoughts about their career and album.
When asked about their initial reaction to the news of 'Cupid' being on the Billboard chart so early on in their career, SaeNa responded, "We just couldn't believe it! We were very surprised and had to keep asking, "Our song on the Billboard chart?" And it also gave us more responsibility to work harder and show a better performance. It's a great motivation."
Regarding the song 'Cupid' and their feelings the first time they heard it, SaeNa responded, "When I first heard the track, I was hooked on the chorus melody, so I kept humming that part over and over. I just wanted to listen to it constantly. It is very addictive and easy to listen to, just like 'Higher.' I remember listening to this track while feeling very happy!"
Furthermore, Keena was asked if there was a memorable episode from writing the lyrics to which she responded, "When I was working on the lyrics of 'Cupid,' I made a lot of edits in terms of concept and topic. For the best result, our company staff helped me a lot and provided feedback to every little detail that I missed. That whole process was very meaningful and exciting!
ATTRAKT Creative Content Group
In terms of who their biggest musical inspirations were, the members had a lot to say. Keena remarked, "I would say Girls' Generation is my musical inspiration. We all grew up listening to their music, and they're such a respectable and iconic girl group." SiO added, "When I was young, I was a Disney girl - I listened to OSTs from "Lion King" or "The Little Mermaid." One day, my mom played the music video of 'I Love You' by 2NE1, and I remember it was my first exposure to K-Pop. I think that's why I listened to 2NE1's music a lot growing up and was inspired by them."
ATTRAKT Creative Content Group
When asked how they deal with the pressure and what their thoughts were when they debuted and made this comeback, SiO responded, "I was excited and nervous at the same time before hearing our comeback track because so many people loved our debut track 'Higher.' But as soon as I heard 'Cupid,' my nervousness just went away. Rather than feeling anxious and worried with pressure, we just focused on how we can perfect our performance with this track while preparing for this comeback."
ATTRAKT Creative Content Group
With all the excitement surrounding this promotion, the group was asked what the most exciting part about it was. Keena said, "This comeback was special for FIFTY FIFTY because we didn't have many opportunities to meet our fans in person for our debut album activities. For this comeback, we were able to meet them, communicate with them, and perform in front of the, which was very special."
They were also asked if there was a specific concept they'd like to try for their next comeback and SiO added, "Personally, I think it'd be cool for us to try a band music if we all learn instruments."
ATTRAKT Creative Content Group
Towards the end of the interview, they were asked what their favorite rom-com movie or K-Drama was. Keena replied, "I'd like to recommend the drama "Descendants of the Sun," which in my opinion is the most romantic drama. I was happy watching it. Aran added, "I personally don't watch a lot of romantic movies or dramas, but when I feel like watching one, I usually go for Japanese dramas. I recommend all Japanese romance movies!"
ATTRAKT Creative Content Group
And finally, the group was asked to give a message to all their international fans. SaeNa confidently said, "Since we're very sincere to music, we hope to approach all listeners and our international fans with our sincere hearts. We're aiming to show various genres that are different from 'Cupid's' genre, and to present various charms through each member's uniqueness. I hope you look forward to us more!
FIFTY FIFTY's charm and talent is undeniable! We wish them all the success and hope that they will continue to show the world what they can do.
