FIFTY FIFTY is a four-member new girl group under ATTRAKT, consisting of members Saena, Keena, Aran, and Sio. The quartet made their debut in the K-Pop scene on November 18, 2022, with the mini-album 'THE FIFTY,' which includes the tracks "Tell Me," "Higher," "Lovin' Me," and "Log In," which received a lot of support and love not only from their fans, Hunnies but also the general public because of the songs' catchy verses and choruses.

Last February 24, 2023, the quartet made their much-anticipated return with the release of their single album 'The Beginning: Cupid,' featuring the title song "Cupid," which is currently trending on SNS platforms, including TikTok thanks to its addictive melody and relatable lyrics that made people hook with the song. In the song, the group members come to the realization that they do not need Cupid and that they must take the initiative to face their fears and change into a new version of themselves. This realization signals the beginning of the girls' journey as they mature and come into their own.

It was Wednesday afternoon when Saena, Keena, Aran, and Sio sat down with reporters from different media outlets for a roundtable interview, and allkpop was one of the outlets who got the chance to ask FIFTY FIFTY questions.

According to Saena, when she first heard "Cupid," it was "addictive and easy to listen to, just like 'Higher'," and she just wanted to listen to it nonstop. "I was hooked on the chorus melody, so I kept humming that part over and over."

The members of FIFTY FIFTY participated in the production process of this single album, with Keena writing the verse and Saena participating in the creation of the highlight choreography of the song. "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 has helped me a lot, and provided feedback on every little detail that even I had missed," said Keena of the meaningful and exciting lyrics-writing process.

"I've been following Minny Park and her work for a while," Saena said of her experience working with her for the choreography of their debut track "Higher." Saena added that Minny Park was open about the members' ideas and that they all worked together to create a perfect performance. "It was so much fun and honorable!"

FIFTY FIFTY's first single album, 'The Beginning: Cupid,' acts as a prequel to their debut album, showing the four girls’ inner selves as they are about to embark on a new journey. It contains the title track, "Cupid," and its English version, "Cupid (Twin Version)," which has a different style of mixing and adjusted vocal arrangement than the Korean version of the track. When asked if the recording of the English version was challenging for her, Sio responded, "I think recording the Korean version was pretty smooth, but the English version was definitely challenging for me. While recording the English version, I had to focus on both English accents and the delivery of the meaning of the song. Finding the right balance between the two was a bit difficult for me." 

In a story about FIFTY FIFTY relying on Cupid as their go-to issue solver, 'The Beginning: Cupid' also explores the notion of a strong sense of alienation between the ideal world full of high hopes and the reality where things don't always turn out as planned. They all gleefully responded, "Hunnies (FIFTY FIFTY's fandom name)" and "the members," when asked what makes them grin in spite of all the challenges.

Keena claimed that they had few opportunities to personally interact with their fans during the promotion of their debut album, which was with 'THE FIFTY.' "But for this comeback, we were able to meet them, communicate with them, and perform in front of them, which was very special," she said.

When asked if love can overcome obstacles in life, Aran said that she didn't believe that love had a direct bearing on overcoming an obstacle, but added that nothing could be accomplished without love. "I believe we always find a way and answer to something because love exists everywhere, even if it takes the smallest part."

Debuted just four months ago, in November of 2022, FIFTY FIFTY quickly rose to the charts as their debut tracks "Higher" and "Lovin' Me" were loved by the general public. Even several reviews in prestigious music journals gave the quartet's debut album, 'THE FIFTY,' as well as their most recent album, high marks. Sio responded to the question of whether they feel under pressure given the overwhelming public support and success they have experienced since their debut: "I was excited and nervous at the same time before hearing our comeback track because so many people loved our debut track 'Higher'."

She continued by saying that her nervousness from the pressure she felt vanished as soon as she heard "Cupid." Sio added, "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," said Sio.

"We're a group of independent members, so I don't think we need Cupid in our lives. In fact, all four of us are Cupids of our own," said Sio when asked which of the members would be the Cupid in the group.

"We just couldn't believe it!" said FIFTY FIFTY on the news of their track "Cupid" making it to the top 10 of Billboard's 'World Digital Song Sales' chart. Saena added, "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 better performance. It's a great motivation."

On the concept they would like to try in the future, Sio replied, "Personally, I think it'd be possible for us to try band music if we all learn instruments."

Saena believes that what makes them stand out in the K-Pop scene is the variety of their vocal colors. She continued, "Each member has a unique vocal tone. I think that's what people love about FIFTY FIFTY," she added. Keena added, "I agree," in response to Sio's statement that their teamwork allows them to produce a wonderful synergy and unique color.

On the members' rom-com movie or drama recommendations, Keena suggests 'Descendants of the Sun,' saying that it is "the most romantic drama" she has seen. "I was happy watching this drama," she added. "I recommend all Japanese romance movies," Aran said, adding that while she doesn't watch many romantic films or dramas, when she does, she usually opts for Japanese dramas.

Girls' Generation, according to Keena, is her musical inspiration. "We all grew up listening to their music, and they're such a respectable and iconic girl group."

When asked who she looked up to musically, Sio said that 2NE1 was her biggest influence. "When I was young, I was a Disney girl - I listened to OST 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," she added.

"Since we're very sincere to music, we hope to approach all listeners and our international fans with our sincere hearts," FIFTY FIFTY to their fans. Saena added, "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!"

Photo credits: ATTRAKT Creative Content Group