The Givers Wins Copyright Lawsuit Over FIFTY FIFTY’s Cupid Against ATTRAKT
Seoul court rules in favor of The Givers in high-profile K-pop copyright dispute
Court Confirms The Givers Holds Full Economic Rights to “Cupid”
South Korea’s The Givers has won a major copyright lawsuit against ATTRAKT over the global hit single “Cupid” by FIFTY FIFTY, with the Seoul Central District Court ruling on May 6 that The Givers retains full copyright ownership.
The court dismissed all of ATTRAKT’s claims, stating that The Givers was the legal and contractual rights holder. ATTRAKT had claimed that the rights had been transferred, but the court found no such terms in the contract and ruled that all production and creative responsibilities—including negotiation and funding—had been managed by The Givers.
The court emphasized that copyright contracts must be interpreted based on the written agreement, not intent. It also clarified that releasing a master recording does not equate to owning copyright over the musical work.
Additional Claims Also Rejected
ATTRAKT’s request to be recognized as a co-author of “Cupid” was also denied. The ruling confirmed that The Givers independently managed all aspects of production and maintained rightful ownership.
The Givers was also previously cleared in a criminal case over the JTBC variety show soundtrack “Ganggangsullae (Alok Remix),” after ATTRAKT accused the company of copyright violations and document forgery. Prosecutors ruled there was no wrongdoing, citing valid credit attribution and lack of malicious intent.
A representative from The Givers stated:
“The ruling confirms the facts and clears up misinformation. We hope it becomes a legal precedent for similar disputes going forward.”
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