Ablume Opens Up on Departure from Fifty Fifty and Debut of ‘Echo’ (Exclusive)
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Ablume’s members, Sio, Aran, and Saena, made headlines when they terminated their exclusive contract with former record label Attrakt in October 2023, leading to their departure from the K-pop girl group, Fifty Fifty. Their anticipated redebut came on May 9, 2025, with the release of their single “Echo” along with an accompanying music video.
The trio sat down with PEOPLE to discuss their journey, shedding light on their current relationship with former bandmate Keena, their collaboration with controversial producer SIAHN, and their exciting new beginning. Moving on from the past two tumultuous years, Sio, Aran, both aged 20, and Saena, 21, reintroduced themselves as Ablume with their heartfelt single, “Echo.” The track, filled with lush synths and harmonies, echoes their shared experiences and love for music during challenging times.
In 2023, the quartet, consisting of Sio, Aran, Saena, and Keena, experienced a meteoric rise as K-pop sensation Fifty Fifty. Their hit single “Cupid” soared on the charts, earning them a spot in the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting for an impressive 10 weeks. The group’s success coincided with the blockbuster summer season, where they also contributed to the soundtrack of the film “Barbie” with the catchy track “Barbie Dreams,” alongside renowned artists like Charli XCX and Nicki Minaj.
At the peak of their fame, legal disputes arose, leading all four members to seek the termination of their contracts with Attrakt in June 2023, citing breaches in obligations. Despite their attempts, the court dismissed their injunction, prompting three members, excluding Keena, to file an appeal. Keena chose to part ways and return to Attrakt, distancing herself from her former bandmates.
Following the legal battles, Attrakt announced the release of Sio, Aran, and Saena from their contracts in October 2023, alleging defamation and slander against the agency. The ordeal took a toll on the members, leaving them emotionally drained and seeking solace in music to cope with their feelings of pain and disillusionment.
Despite the challenges, Ablume is resolute in their decision to part ways with Attrakt, highlighting a lack of trust as a significant issue within the agency. Moving forward, the trio aims to cultivate a more positive and nurturing environment to continue pursuing their passion for music.
The group’s collaboration with producer Ahn Sung-Il, known as SIAHN, sparked controversy, with fans expressing concerns over their partnership. Addressing the apprehensions, Sio clarified that the media’s portrayal of their collaboration was misleading and emphasized the importance of clarifying misconceptions in the future. Aran commended SIAHN for his individualized approach to their music and his encouragement of their creative input to craft a project that reflects their unique style.
Looking ahead to a new chapter, Ablume is eager to showcase their artistry and win over skeptics with their music. Expressing gratitude to their steadfast supporters, the members reflected on the challenging journey they’ve endured, with Saena likening it to navigating a long dark tunnel, where their fans served as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.
In conclusion, Ablume’s candid revelations shed light on their resilience in the face of adversity and their unwavering commitment to their musical aspirations. As they embark on this new phase of their career, the trio remains focused on creating impactful music and connecting with their audience through their shared experiences and passion for their craft.