Among K-pop entertainment agencies, JYP Entertainment is considered the company that treats its artists best. However, on December 8, the company unexpectedly faced a lawsuit from female idol KG (formerly VCHA), who also announced her departure from the group.
VCHA is a US-based girl group that debuted in early 2024 under JYP, via the reality show “A2K”. The girl group has been without activity for a long time, raising concerns among fans, and now former member KG has somehow revealed the truth behind that absence.
Specifically, KG filed a lawsuit against JYP, accusing the company of abuse, saddling it with a $500,000 debt, and claimed that the girl group suffered inhumane treatment in addition to one member’s attempted suicide.
Below is a summary of all the allegations made by KG, as revealed in a 77-page document related to his lawsuit:
Inhuman program
In his lawsuit, KG revealed that his daily schedule began at 7 am. She attended school for three hours before returning to the JYP USA building at 10:30 a.m., where she worked and trained for hours on end. KG often worked past 11pm, but company staff pressured her to stay until 1-2am.
They manipulated her by expressing disappointment and warning of consequences if she left early. The 2007-born idol said her only free time was sleeping.
Suspicious contract and $500,000 debt
KG accused JYP Entertainment of exploiting loopholes in California law by classifying the group as “trainees” to reduce their rights and income. VCHA’s contract included many terms in Korean, which were not thoroughly explained to the group.
Because of this legal maneuver, KG was paid only $500 a week. The company justified this by deducting VCHA trainees’ debt, which amounted to more than $500,000 per member. JYP imposed fixed costs without giving members choice, such as purchasing a $2.5 million house for the group to live in, adding this expense to their debt.
Although VCHA performed frequently, including opening for TWICE’s American tour, they were not adequately compensated. The company said KG was not generating revenue and still owed $504,503 after accounting for net profits.
Diet and surveillance
VCHA was forced to maintain extreme thinness, often receiving only small portions of salad. Members were repeatedly banned from eating by JYP staff. This monitoring extended to their residence, where surveillance cameras were installed to monitor their eating habits, without the group’s knowledge, despite JYP initially promising not to install cameras. The group was also asked to provide detailed reports on their activities on their weekly rest days, including where they went, what they did and with whom.
Health problems
During a dance practice, KG was scolded for making mistakes and forced to repeat a movement hundreds of times without being allowed to drink water. This led to a shoulder tendon injury. Despite the doctor’s order to rest, the staff continued to pressure her to practice.
Other members suffered injuries, such as sprained ankles, but were still required to train for 12 hours a day under the supervision of staff. KG also developed laryngitis but was reprimanded, with staff saying it was her responsibility to avoid getting ill.
Mental and emotional struggles
The company’s treatment caused significant mental distress to VCHA members. KG revealed in its lawsuit that one member began harming himself, while another developed severe eating disorders and attempted suicide by ingesting drugs. Fortunately, this member was found in time. However, JYP made up a cover story to explain the member’s absence and forced the group to lie about it.
Verbal abuse and harassment
KG said the VCHA was often subjected to verbal abuse by staff, allegedly to push them to train harder. On one occasion, a dance instructor berated KG in front of the group, causing another member to burst into tears and leave the room. KG said he stopped working with the group since May and was waiting for his contract with JYP Entertainment to be terminated.
JYP’s response
In a statement to media outlet StarNews, a representative from JYP Entertainment said that they have not yet received an official lawsuit from KG and that they are verifying the details.
The representative also described the issue as a difference in perspective, noting that JYP had previously discussed the matter with KG representatives and would proceed according to legal protocols.
Source: K14, Truss Law
