It was revealed during KG’s legal action and exit from VCHA.
Koreaboo
JYP Entertainment’s contract stipulations on appearance and personalities spark negative reactions VCHA KGlegal action against the company.
During VCHA’s hiatus, member KG recently announced his departure from the group and initiated legal action against the company for abuse and mistreatment.
VCHA’s KG Announces Departure + Legal Action Against JYP Entertainment for Abuse & Mistreatment
Following the lawsuit, the JYP contract attached to the lawsuit has been shared online and is getting major criticism. In particular, issues regarding the image of the idol that the company can control were discussed. When it comes to hair, it is argued that the style and role assumed by the company should not be altered.
“(i) You agree not to materially alter, without Company’s approval, your hairstyle (including length or color) during the Term of this Agreement. The Company will exercise this right of approval in good faith and will disapprove any modification to your hairstyle only if such modification interferes with the provision of your services under this Agreement or, in the sole discretion of the Company in good faith, such modification impairs the business of the Group or the Group and/or the brand of the Company.
(ii) In the event that the Company requests and you approve any material modification to your hairstyle, the cost of such modification and subsequent maintenance thereof will be provided by the Company at the Company’s sole expense. Upon termination or expiration of the Term of this Agreement, the Company will, at its expense, provide color and style restoration to the extent possible considering the length of your hair at the time.”
— JYP Contract
Yet, while the rigor of hairstyles is well known, as it is often decided based on the group’s concept and returns, as well as coordination with outfits and other members, other aspects of the contract have caused shock. He talked about control over “skin color” and the factors that could influence any changes.
(iii) You agree to avoid any activities that could result in significant changes to the normal color of your skin, such as excessive sun exposure or tanning equipment, to the extent that such significant change could interfere with the provision of your services hereunder Contract or, in the sole discretion of the Company in good faith, would jeopardize the business of the Group or the brand of the Group and/or the Company.
— JYP Contract
He then raised eyebrows when talking about the topic of personality and how the company can assign a “designated character and personality” to the idol, including name, appearance, role and behavior consistent with the character.
(b) Personality of Member. You acknowledge and agree that you may be assigned a designated character and personality within the Group, which designation may require you, for the duration of the Term:
(i) have a designated nickname (“Member Name”);
(ii) maintain a physical appearance and personality/behavior consistent with the assigned character; AND
(iii) perform a designated role within the Group (e.g. singer,
dancer, etc.) (collectively with the Member Name, the “Member Personality”).
The Company will meaningfully consult with you regarding Member Personality, provided that in the event of a dispute, the Company’s decision will be final.— JYP Contract
When images of the contract were shared online, netizens expressed their anger at the company’s scrutiny.
JYPE’s contract for vcha is everything I knew about K-pop, but seeing it written down makes it so crazy.
To be given a personality and to be policed to the core, not to be allowed to speak out against the company, it’s just crazy. pic.twitter.com/2U3Xd1Ko5F— Minnie (@kittysnakehyune) December 9, 2024
please read this.
there are stipulations for skin color. hair color. all social media posts must be approved by the company. the company can publish on their behalf. they cannot say anything negative about the company or its affiliates.
everything is controlled. https://t.co/uiCUQCfQ3u
— bry ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ (@notbrythemoon) December 9, 2024
I remembered tweets saying things like “this ship is real” after reading Jype’s contract treating idols as characters
— Liliknower (@lklandia) December 9, 2024
I was reading KG’s contract with Jype. I’ll read it all later, more calmly, but some points caught my attention. It literally treats idols as characters and forces them to maintain their assigned character full time. pic.twitter.com/tgsRTzkghw
— Liliknower (@lklandia) December 9, 2024
You can read JYP’s response to KG’s claims below.
JYP Entertainment releases statement addressing Ex-VCHA KG lawsuits and abuse allegations
