Former FIFTY FIFTY members Aran, Saena, and Sio are gearing up to release their debut single album Echo under their new group ablume on May 9, 2025. This marks a fresh chapter for the trio after a challenging legal battle with their previous agency, ATTRAKT, and their re-debut under Massive E&C.
The trio announced their re-debut as ablume in October 2024, signing with Massive E&C, a subsidiary of NS ENM. The name ablume, derived from the German word “blume” (flower), symbolizes growth and blooming. The group’s Instagram describes their journey: “Like a small seed blossoming into a flower, each member—Aran, Saena, and Sio—unfolds their creative potential, embracing change and discovering their unique colors.”
Massive E&C launched ablume’s official social media channels on October 15, 2024, sharing heartfelt messages from the members. Aran wrote, “Hello, we are ablume. Aran, Saena, and Sio will each bring their unique colours to our story, and we’re grateful for your support along the way!” Saena added, “I’m a bit late, aren’t I…? I missed you so much. I’ll make every day full of joy and excitement. Let’s stay together from now on!” Sio shared, “I hope you’ve all been happy 🥺 From now on, I’ll cast a spell for good things to come~! One, two, three—don’t worry, be happy 🩵.”
Echo: The Debut Single Album
On April 25, 2025, ablume’s official X account posted, “ablume 1st Single Album Echo 2025. 05. 09 12PM (KST) #ablume #Echo #ARAN #SAENA #SIO,” confirming the release date for their debut single album. The announcement included a teaser image, sparking excitement among fans. While specific details about the album’s tracks or concept remain undisclosed, the group has been actively preparing, with their debut album in production since early 2025.
Earlier, on April 21, 2025, ablume released a live performance video titled Never Far Away (Prologue) on YouTube, offering a glimpse of their musical direction. They also shared an official trailer, The First Sprout, on March 7, 2025, building anticipation for their comeback. These releases suggest a focus on connecting with fans through diverse content.
Collaboration with Producer Ahn Sung-il
A notable aspect of ablume’s debut is their decision to work with Ahn Sung-il, CEO of The Givers and producer of FIFTY FIFTY’s hit Cupid. This choice stirred controversy due to Ahn’s past legal issues with ATTRAKT, including allegations of fraud and attempting to “poach” FIFTY FIFTY members in 2023.
Massive E&C clarified that Aran, Saena, and Sio personally requested Ahn to produce their album. The agency stated, “While discussing ablume’s future activities, at the request of the members, we asked CEO Ahn Sung-il to handle the producing. Ahn agreed, so we wound up working together.” Ahn signed a one-year producing contract with Massive E&C as the executive producer for Echo.
On February 27, 2025, the members addressed the controversy in a handwritten letter, explaining they had a direct conversation with Ahn to verify facts. They stated, “We requested a direct conversation with [the producer], after which key facts were verified.” Massive E&C also urged against misinformation, noting that ATTRAKT’s allegations against Ahn “differ from public reports, with some details misinterpreted or inaccurately conveyed.”
Journey from FIFTY FIFTY
Aran, Saena, and Sio rose to fame as part of FIFTY FIFTY, debuting in 2022 with members Keena, Saena, Aran, and Sio. Their song Cupid became a global hit, but internal disputes led to a fallout. In June 2023, all four members filed an injunction against ATTRAKT to suspend their contracts, citing breaches like failure to provide accounting data and neglect of mental health.
The courts ruled in ATTRAKT’s favor, and by October 2023, Keena withdrew from the lawsuit, returning to the agency. ATTRAKT terminated the contracts of Saena, Aran, and Sio in November 2023 and filed a lawsuit against them and Ahn for damages. The trio countered with a civil lawsuit against ATTRAKT’s CEO Jeon Hong-joon, seeking ₩300 million (about $226,000 USD) in settlement fees. Legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Massive E&C’s Support
Massive E&C has shown strong support for ablume, with CEO Hwang Choi Han-cho stating, “We look forward to Aran, Saena, and Sio showing an even more diverse range of performances and styles to the fans as they have reunited as a new girl group.” The agency aims to connect ablume with fans globally through social media.
In a significant boost, a New York-based investment firm proposed investing $83.2 million in Massive E&C, signaling confidence in ablume’s potential. This investment is expected to support the group’s debut and future activities.
Fan and Public Reactions
Fans have expressed excitement for ablume’s debut, with posts on X praising the teaser for Echo. However, the trio’s legal disputes and decision to work with Ahn Sung-il have sparked mixed reactions. Some international fans worry about their “second chance” amid controversies, while others are curious about their new music.
*“I’m so excited for Aran, Saena, and Sio! *Echo* looks promising, and I can’t wait to hear their new sound!”*
“Working with Ahn again is risky, but I trust the girls’ judgment. Hoping for a smooth debut!”
*“The legal mess is concerning, but I’m rooting for ablume to shine with *Echo.”
Building Momentum
Before Echo, ablume engaged fans with a Christmas song cover in December 2024, shared via YouTube, showcasing their vocal harmony. They also posted festive content, writing, “Here’s to love, warmth, and abluming memories ❄️🫧.” These efforts reflect their commitment to rebuilding their fanbase.
The group’s focus on “cheerfulness” and “harmony,” symbolized by the cosmos flower, resonates in their messaging. A post on X stated, “Cosmos, with its delicate petals swaying in the autumn breeze, embodies a sense of purity and peace. It is also well-known as a flower that symbolizes harmony with nature.”
Most Recent Updates
As of April 25, 2025, ablume is finalizing preparations for Echo, set for release on May 9, 2025, at 12 PM KST. The group continues to share teasers and engage fans through social media, with their latest post confirming the album’s release date. Legal disputes with ATTRAKT persist, but Aran, Saena, and Sio remain focused on their music and new chapter as ablume.
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CREDITS: J-14
