Following the ex-VCHA member KGAlarming allegations of abuse call for a boycott JYP entertainment have led to heated disagreements among fans.
The turmoil began on December 7 when KG announced his departure from JYP Entertainment, along with plans to sue the company. In a candid statement, the 17-year-old shared harrowing details of her time in the VCHA, including allegations of mistreatment and an environment that severely impacted members’ mental health. Among the most shocking revelations was that an unnamed member had attempted suicide after battling a profound eating disorder.
The details in KG’s lawsuit paint an even more shocking picture. According to legal documents, members were subjected to verbal abuse, restrictive diets and neglect by staff, as well as hidden cameras that filmed their conversations and eating habits without their knowledge.
Now, numerous K-Pop fans on social media are calling for a boycott JYPE Entertainment as a whole. Many argue that affecting the company’s finances is the only way to force them to take responsibility for the actions reported against the VCHA.
jype may release vcha return in January 2025 and here’s why you should boycott it – long thread #FightingforVCHA #WeLoveYouKG #SempreConKG pic.twitter.com/D1LlU3t89J
— 🍒 (@minxzaq) December 8, 2024
However, not everyone agrees with the idea. In particular, the possibility of a boycott has created division among fans of TWICE.
Some fans firmly believe that the boycott is a necessary step, saying that no artist’s sales or streams should take precedence over the serious accusations described by KG.
Are you worried doubly about people calling for a boycott in the name of what’s happening…a young girl tried to pledge and vcha as a group is being mistreated and abused and are you all worried about the streams right now? what the fuck is WRONG with all of you, omfg
— vic 🂱 (@hiraizcn) December 8, 2024
These girls are being abused and all you can worry about is your streams. Like every fandom JYP showed support for the VCHA and supported the boycott, but often here they do it all themselves once.
— ari˖ . ❤𝜗𝜚. ❤₊ (@seoheedoll) December 8, 2024
TWICE is operated by the recently renamed third division of JYP Entertainment STEP: the same division where the VCHA debuted. While recent reports list VCHA below Yes, United Statesit is believed that STRIDE can still operate its operations in Korea. Therefore, many believe that the division deserves to suffer the harshest effects of a boycott.
“But he is no longer the CEO” idgaf this is HIS mentality, the mentality he has imposed in his company… this thing is not right…
So screw him
Damn, damn
Fuck div3
And fuck everyone who directly hurts vcha— STRATEGY AND DRIP 🍒 (@twicessaphic) December 8, 2024
Others also pointed to TWICE’s history of mistreatment in Division 3, suffering similarly to VCHA members. For example, several TWICE members have talked about extreme dieting in the past. In particular, Momo says she was once told to lose 7kg in a week; after eating only ice cubes, he went to sleep one night fearing he was dying of starvation.
division 3 double runs and vcha and has clearly committed vile abuse against both for almost a decade now. the other artist they manage is Jyp himself. clearly he and the company in general don’t care that div3 starves and mistreats the artists they manage. https://t.co/O292mfuZB4
— vexie sees skz 合༄ (@nyanrachas) December 8, 2024
On the other hand, many ONCEs disagree that a boycott is the right approach.
mixed thoughts: the fact that TWICE and VCHA are both on div3/STRIDE is inconvenient, but I think they have dedicated teams about it. I don’t want to boycott when TWICE worked so hard. Labor violations occurred in America, so I think JYPE will be held accountable and will be $$
— L (Jeongyeon and Sana CAM) (@redlightdstrct) December 8, 2024
Some fans claim that TWICE members take home most of their earnings after contract renewal, leaving only 20-30% for JYP Entertainment. As such, they believe that a boycott is more likely to harm members than the company itself.
Wait, I could be wrong but if I remember correctly didn’t TWICE’s contract renewal give them an 80% share to them and only 20% to the company? So why should one once boycott? Support KG and VCHA, not JYPE, Twice is getting more now than before, so it will affect them pic.twitter.com/F1RzFHtgfa
— DaveBroChu | STRATEGY🍒 (@DaveBroChu22) December 8, 2024
all you “Once” and “Anti” people can make fun of each other, but I will NOT boycott them. I remind you that almost 70% of TWICE’s earnings go directly to members
— SaTzu’s cleft chin🏹 (@tzutzubearrr) December 8, 2024
Many, meanwhile, point out that TWICE is the group that would be most affected by a boycott. This week they are back with their fourteenth mini album and title track “Strategy”. Megan Thee Stallonewith the album selling 579,898 copies on its first day alone. Some say K-Pop boycotts tend to be short-lived, meaning TWICE’s recent comeback will be disproportionately affected.
Most of you will only boycott for a week or two and the only thing that will hurt you is the return of Twice. You’re not hurting JYPE$ by boycotting.
— Namochaeng ㅐㅣㅇ (@3mustard33) December 8, 2024
Stays will not boycott skz
Midzy will not boycott Itzy
Answers will not boycottBut ONCE will boycott TWICE during their comeback season pic.twitter.com/B7qMp0rdcB
— (TW)⁹ || Strategy 🍒 (@myxtw9) December 8, 2024
Many, meanwhile, believe that JYP Entertainment will not take notice regardless, fearing that boycotting TWICE will not lead to any significant results.
You’re actually all stupid if you’re trying to boycott twice right now
You’re not hurting JYPE, you’re only hurting twice
USE YOUR HEAD
—Mike Jackson (@MikeJackson545) December 8, 2024
Any boycott twice will only affect twice, not the company. I hope you take this into consideration.
— akaari (@drawbychae) December 8, 2024
Currently, suggestions of a boycott appear to be in the early stages. Although many are spreading the word about the movement on social media, it appears there has not yet been an organized effort to stop the streaming and purchasing of music from JYP Entertainment groups. Meanwhile, the agency has yet to release a statement on KG’s allegations.
