Previously, former member KG announced his departure from the VCHA and accused JYP USA of mistreatment and abuse of members, unreasonable debts, and even pushing another member to attempt suicide.
In response, JYP USA insisted that KG’s claims are “false and exaggerated,” to which KG responded with a stern statement and mentioning that its legal team has prepared photographic and physical evidence.
Afterwards, KG’s attorney, Jeremiah D. Graham of JD Graham Legal, continued with his remarks and clarified KG’s reasons for taking legal action.
According to Graham, all KG wanted was release from his contract. However, the JYP’s terms were overly restrictive, allegedly preventing KG from pursuing independent opportunities or speaking about his experiences under threat of fines and damages.
It was also revealed that JYP USA not only refused to meet with KG and her legal team, but also threatened to block her career.
Below is the full statement from KG’s attorney:
“As the legal representative of KG, I met with the legal representative of JYP and let them know that all KG wanted was the termination of the contract. They said, “No.” they said she couldn’t release any songs on her own, that she couldn’t look for career opportunities, and if anyone came to her she would have to submit it to them, and then they would decide if she could take the opportunity. This, combined with the threat of penalties and fines if she spoke out about her experiences, is why she felt compelled to file a lawsuit, because otherwise she would be silenced and unable to pursue her career for years. With a lawsuit, she is now able to defend her treatment of other artists and defend herself and others.
During a year in South Korea that included several high-profile battles over contractual limits with heavyweights like NewJeans, as well as ongoing political stalemate and turmoil in the country, the case sparked further conversations about the attention paid to the contracts and pressures faced by idols pursuing the now global K-pop landscape. While JYP USA highlighted its attempts to resolve the matter privately, KG and his team painted a different picture of alleged hush-hush tactics and restrictive contract terms.
Resolution of the legal deadlock, or lack thereof, could set a precedent for the handling of similar cases in an industry that now operates in multiple countries and hemispheres. For now, both sides ask for kindness and patience from the public as they navigate this complex and contentious dispute.”
Source: Forbes
