KG, former member of girl group VCha, reiterated her decision to leave, in a series of social media posts.
The idol responded to a statement released by JYP Entertainment, which addressed his allegations of mistreatment and abuse by the company.
“Yesterday I filed a lawsuit because I decided to terminate my contract with JYP Entertainment and leave the VCHA after experiencing incidents of abuse and mistreatment from some of the staff. I feel it was not a good environment for my mental health and I apologize if my leaving 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
KG announced on December 7 his intention to leave VCha, suing and accusing YPE of verbal abuse and subjecting the group’s members to malnutrition.
In their response, the company claims that KG had lied in its statement, accusing it of damaging the group’s future and making “false and exaggerated claims”.
“We deeply regret KG’s decision to file a lawsuit and make one-sided public statements containing false and exaggerated claims,” JYPE said in a statement.
“This action has 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.”
KG has since addressed these claims, calling out JYPE for its “lack of accountability” and suggesting compelling evidence for its case.
“I am very disappointed in the company’s lack of accountability. My legal team and I are fully prepared with photographic and physical evidence to prove that my allegations are real, not ‘exaggerated’ nor ‘false.’
Thank you to the public for your unwavering support. Please treat both parties with kindness, as this is a difficult time for everyone.
I will continue to fight for better treatment of K-pop idols and trainees, vowing to tell nothing but the truth. I hope that by coming forward, other trainees, idols and group members can be encouraged to use their voices, in order to make positive changes in the K-pop industry.”
-KG
