IN CONVERSATION WITH FIFTY FIFTY

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by ATTRAKT ENTERTAINMENT

K-pop sensation FIFTY FIFTY is entering a new era of global influence with the release of their latest mini album ‘Too Much Part 1’ and an exciting fan-meeting tour across Asia. After dropping three bodies of work in just one year, the group continues to prove their unstoppable rise—most recently gaining fresh viral traction with their playful twist on ‘Golden’ from Netflix’s ‘K-pop Demon Hunters’. Their breakout hit ‘Cupid’—and its English ‘Twin Ver’—not only became the fastest K-pop girl-group song to surpass 800M Spotify streams but also held a record-breaking 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. With more than 1.6 billion total streams, a growing international fanbase, and the pioneering spirit of their self-styled ‘Fifty Pop’, FIFTY FIFTY is stepping confidently into the spotlight as one of the most exciting 4th-gen girl groups to watch.

‘Too Much Part 1’ explores the rush and tension of early love. How did you approach capturing those emotions musically and visually? 

Yewon: We tried to convey that fluttering feeling before love truly begins by including lyrics that express excitement in a way we haven’t done before. For example, playful lines like “I like you—rock, paper, scissors”.

You’ve said this album represents a new chapter. How does it reflect where FIFTY FIFTY is artistically right now?

Chanelle Moon: I think right now this represents a huge step in our musical career. While preserving the sound our fans are familiar with, we’re also combining elements we’ve never tried before and exploring concepts we haven’t attempted until now. We wanted it to represent a steppingstone.

‘Fifty Pop’ has become a signature sound for the group. How would each member personally define what ‘Fifty Pop’ means?

Athena: ‘Fifty Pop’ is a genre that showcases our unique sound through easy-listening songs. Our goal is for the public to recognize a song as ‘a FIFTY FIFTY song’ the moment they hear it.

Keena: To me, ‘Fifty Pop’ is music that expresses honest emotions in a bright, uplifting tone. I believe it’s a color that only we can create, which makes it even more special.

Chanelle Moon: ‘Fifty Pop’ is the genre of music we put out. We want to combine easy listening with various other genres to provide comfort and a sense of happiness in each of our songs.

Yewon: I think ‘Fifty Pop’ is the genre that the moment you hear it feels like easy listening and instantly makes you think “This sounds like a FIFTY FIFTY song.”

Hana: It’s music you can comfortably listen to anytime, but I also think the other tracks on the album, each with a different vibe, highlight our diverse charms even more.

You released two projects in a single year. How do you stay inspired and avoid creative burnout with such an intense schedule?

Keena: Right now, I’m focusing more on the process than the results, and I think that mindset has really stuck with me. Everything we build day by day eventually benefits our team, so instead of thinking about burnout, I try to see it as part of the journey. Lately, I’ve been living with a more positive outlook.

‘Cupid’ became a global phenomenon far beyond Korea—when did you realize the song was becoming something historic?

Keena: When we saw the charting success, the viral social media videos, the reactions, I was so surprised and pleased. It was something I've never experienced before, and so grateful the song resonated with so many fans across the globe.

How has going viral multiple times on platforms like TikTok affected how you think about music, choreography, or releases?

Athena: I think it has brought more ideas and diversity into our music. For example, when Chanelle mOON went viral with her ‘Pookie’ boy group version, the director of our ‘Skittlez’ music video incorporated it into the ending choreography.

As artists with a strong Western-pop appeal, how do you balance global sounds while still preserving FIFTY FIFTY’s unique identity?

Chanelle Moon: We are definitely influenced by Western sounds, whether it’s hip-hop, R&B, or pop in general, and we have a lot to thank those genres for in shaping our music. I think what really makes the difference is how we deliver each song. Everyone has their own unique strengths when it comes to interpreting the music we’re given, and during the recording and music-making process, we like to add a bit of our own personal perspective as well. I believe that’s what helps us maintain the distinct FIFTY FIFTY sound.

You’re heading on a fan-meeting tour across Asia. What are you most excited to share with fans in each city?

Hana: We really want to show something that’s just for our TWENY fans, our live performances and the special chemistry that defines us as a team.

Are there any special moments, surprises, or performances you’re preparing specifically for this tour? 

Yewon: Something unexpected for sure, that’s a little spoiler I can share. Stay tuned.

FIFTY FIFTY rose quickly on the global stage—how has your dynamic as a group evolved through all the milestones?

Athena: I think we’ve created a stronger bond with each other through everything we’ve been through together. We understand each other better now and always try to adjust whenever there’s an issue within the team.

With so much attention so fast, what helps you stay grounded and connected to your original goals?

Chanelle Moon: I’m not someone who pays too much attention to the attention we receive, but I always try to remember where I came from and our fans. I wouldn’t be anything without them. I used to be a fan of many artists, so I know how important it is for fans to be there, because without them, we wouldn’t be anything. Thanks to them, I’m able to do what I love and receive this much attention. I’m really no different from them, so I don’t find it difficult to remember where I came from.

With more music projects on the way, what new sides of FIFTY FIFTY can fans look forward to seeing this year? 

Hana: We’re making an effort to try many different things. Musically, performance-wise, and visually, we’ll come back with a more grown and evolved side of ourselves.