Understand the recent controversy between KG, ex-VCHA, and JYP Entertainment

Last Saturday, fans of VCHA, a girl group formed by the reality show A2K (America 2 Korea), were surprised with the announcement that KG is leaving the formation, and has filed a lawsuit against JYP Entertainment, the company responsible for managing the group, to terminate his contract.

The announcement was made by the artist herself through the stories tool on Instagram, where KG reveals that he decided to leave the group and the agency after “experiencing incidents of abuse and mistreatment from certain staff members”.

The complaint was filed on December 7 by the singer’s guardian in Los Angeles Superior Court, with a 77-page document containing accusations referring to “exploitation of child labor, child neglect and abuse, unfair trade practices and for violation and termination of a abusive contract for the ‘services’ of a minor”.

Check out the full translation of the statement KG:

[CUIDADO! O TEXTO CONTÉM TÓPICOS SENSÍVEIS]

“Yesterday, I filed a lawsuit because I decided to terminate my contract with JYP Entertainment and leave VCHA after experiencing incidents of abuse and mistreatment from certain staff members. I feel like it wasn’t a good environment for my mental health and I apologize if my departure 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 caused members to self-harm.

I made this decision in May and I’m still waiting for my contract to be released. I’m worried about the girls who remain at VCHA, my friends, who I truly love and care about. I also realized that if I stay with JYP Entertainment, I won’t be able to become the artist I aspire to be as I really enjoy composing and producing. I have accumulated a huge debt from the company, while receiving very little for the intense work and extreme limitations in our personal lives. Although such incidents did occur, there were also beautiful moments.

I would like to thank JY Park, company executives and staff for believing in me and providing exceptional training. I don’t blame anyone for their treatment, but I feel like this is a deep-rooted problem in the K-Pop industry. I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve made and the incredible opportunity to perform in front of a global audience. Thank you V-lights for your love and support, and I ask that you continue to support VCHA regardless of my absence. I developed a love for Korean culture and K-Pop music. In the future, I will continue making music in the genre, but not under these circumstances. I hope my license can encourage the K-Pop system to make changes for the better, in hopes of protecting idols and trainees.”

On social media, VCHA fans had access to the document, and translated the main points of the 77 pages. Check out the post made on X (formerly Twitter)!

After the publication of the statement, the following day, on December 8, JYP USA, a subsidiary of JYP Entertainment based in the United States, commented on the accusations, accusing KG of making “false and exaggerated claims” in his statement, which caused “significant harm to other VCHA members and JYP USA.”

See the full translation:

“Dear,

This is JYP USA.

We would like to address the recent lawsuit filed by Kiera Grace Madder (hereinafter “KG”) and her public statements on social media.

In May this year, KG left the group’s residence and began discussions through his legal representatives. In response, we temporarily suspended planned VCHA activities and engaged in extensive discussions with KG representatives to explore possible resolutions. However, we have recently received no response from KG representatives, leaving our legal representatives awaiting further communications.

We deeply regret KG’s decision to take legal action and make unilateral public statements containing false and exaggerated allegations. This action has caused significant harm to the other members of VCHA and JYP USA, who have been diligently working on their next album and projects for early 2025.

JYP USA will take all necessary steps to ensure that neither the other VCHA members nor JYP USA suffer further harm as a result of this matter.

Thanks.

Yours sincerely,
JYP USA”

The most recent update on the case took place yesterday, the 9th, when KG and her representatives responded to the statement, again through Instagram, where the artist said she was “disappointed with the company’s lack of responsibility”, in addition to defending her accusations, claiming to have “photographic and physical evidence” to prove them, also guaranteeing who will continue to fight “for better treatment for K-pop idols and trainees.”

“I am very disappointed with the company’s lack of responsibility. My legal team and I are fully prepared with photographic and physical evidence to prove that my allegations are factual, and not ‘exaggerated’ or ‘false’.

Thank you to the public for your unwavering support. Please treat both sides with kindness as this is a difficult time for everyone.

I will continue to fight for better treatment for K-pop idols and trainees, in which I promise to speak nothing but the truth. I hope that by performing, other trainees, idols and group members can be encouraged to use their voices in order to make positive changes in the K-pop industry.”

The case remains ongoing.