VCHA was formed through the survival show A2K (America2Korea), which he presented JY Park forming a girl group trained in the K-Pop system. The group has been on hiatus since its debut in January 2024, but was rumored to be back in the next year. Now, former member KG reported the alleged mistreatment of JYP Entertainment branch.
Previously, on December 7, KG announced his departure. He shared that he filed a lawsuit against JYP Entertainment after experiencing abuse from the company’s staff via his Instagram Stories. He claimed the treatment was so bad that one member of the group had attempted to take his own life, as well as causing one member to self-harm. His lawsuit revealed details regarding these allegations.
Yesterday I filed a lawsuit because I decided to terminate my contract with JYP Entertainment and leave the VCHA after suffering incidents of abuse and mistreatment from some staff members. I feel like it wasn’t a good environment for my mental health and I apologize if my leave disappoints any of you.
I do not support the working and living conditions that led a member to attempt suicide. Nor do I support an environment that encourages eating disorders and has led members to self-harm.
I made this decision in May and I’m still waiting for my contract to be terminated. I’m worried about the girls who remain in the VCHA, my friends, who I truly love and care about. I also realized that if I stayed at JYP Entertainment, I wouldn’t be able to become the artist I aspire to be, as I really enjoy songwriting and producing. I have accumulated a huge amount of business debt, while being paid very little for the intense work and extreme limitations of our personal lives. While such incidents have occurred, there have also been beautiful moments.
I would like to thank JY Park, company leaders and staff for believing in me and exceptional training. I don’t blame anyone for their treatment, but I believe this is a deeply rooted problem in the K-Pop industry. I am grateful for the friendships I have made and the incredible opportunity to perform for a global audience. Thank you V-lights for your love and support and I ask you to continue to give your support to the VCHA regardless of my absence. I have cultivated a love for Korean culture and K-Pop music. In the future I will continue to make music in this genre, but not under these circumstances.
I hope that my leave will encourage the K-Pop system to make changes for the better, in hopes of protecting the idols and trainees who remain in the hands of these companies.
– KG
On December 8, subsidiary JYP USA responded to KG’s allegations, releasing a statement on VCHA’s X (formerly Twitter) account. In the statement, the company said that KG left the group’s residence in May and attempted to reach a resolution with the former member’s representatives, but recently received no response. JYP USA further stated that KG’s statement contained “False and exaggerated claims.”
Dearest,
This is JYP USA.
We would like to address the recent lawsuit filed by Kiera Grace Madder (hereinafter referred to as “KG”) and her public statements on social media.
In May this year, KG left the group’s residence and initiated discussions through its legal representatives. In response, we have temporarily suspended VCHA’s planned activities and have engaged in extensive discussions with KG representatives to explore potential solutions. However, we have recently received no response from KG representatives, leaving our legal representatives awaiting further communication.
We deeply regret KG’s decision to file a lawsuit and make one-sided public statements containing false and exaggerated claims. This action caused significant harm to the other members of VCHA and JYP USA who have been working diligently on their next album and plans for early 2025.
JYP USA will take all necessary steps to ensure that neither other VCHA members nor JYP USA suffer further harm as a result of this matter.
Thank you.
— Yes, USA
Now, man A2K the contestants are talking.
Former competitors Misha Salkin AND Cristina Lopez both shared posts via Instagram, expressing their support for KG as he takes action against JYP USA. They shared photos of themselves with KG, respectively, along with words of encouragement.
In the meantime, read KG’s latest statement below.
Former VCHA’s KG responds to JYP Entertainment’s statement
