Former VCHA member KG sues JYP USA over alleged 'abuse,' 'mistreatment'
VCHA's Kiera Grace Madder, a.k.a. KG, has filed a lawsuit to leave the group and terminate her contract with JYP USA. She had allegedly experienced "abuse and mistreatment by certain staff members" at the label.
In her Instagram story uploaded last Dec. 7, KG posted a lengthy statement regarding the incident.
According to KG, she felt her time with the company was "not a good environment" for her mental health." She also apologized if her department to the group disappointed her fans.
"I am not in support of 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," she implied.
KG added, "I made this decision back in May and am still waiting for release from my contract. I am worried for the girls who remain in VCHA, my friends, who I truly love and care for."
The 17-year-old singer went on to state that if she remained at JYP Entertainment, she would "not [be] able to become the artist [she] aspire to be."
Nonetheless, KG expressed gratitude to J.Y Park, company executives, and staff for believing in her and providing exceptional training. She also implied that she was not blaming anyone but felt "this is an issue that lies deeply embedded in the K-Pop industry."
"I am grateful for the friendships I 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 shine your support towards VCHA, regardless of my absence."
"I've grown a love for Korean culture and K-Pop music. In the future, I will continue making music in this genre, but not under these circumstances," she continued.
The former girl group member added that she hopes the industry will "make changes for the better" in protecting its artists and trainees.
The lawsuit, as per Forbes, accuses JYP USA of violating California's robust labor, employment, and contract protections for minors.
"The heart of this case is a response to JYP USA Inc.'s insistence that they can control KG's career and life, and prevent her from working under the threat of liquidated damages if she so much as publishes a personal post on social media. She has been involuntarily silenced for too long. KG’s rights as a young artist in the entertainment industry must be upheld," a statement from KG's legal counsel Jeremiah D. Grahan read.
JYP USA responds
In a statement obtained by the Korean entertainment website Soompi on Dec. 9, JYP USA said KG left the group residence in May 2024 and initiated discussions through her legal representatives.
"We temporarily suspended VCHA's planned activities and engaged in extensive discussions with KG's representatives to explore potential resolutions," JYP USA said.
However, the agency has yet to receive a response from KG's representatives, leaving their legal representatives awaiting further communication.
Likewise, JYP USA said that they "deeply regret" KG's decision to file a lawsuit and make unilateral public statements, which, according to the agency, contain "false and exaggerated claims."
"This action has caused significant harm to the other members of VCHA and JYP USA who have been working diligently on their upcoming album and projects for early 2025," it noted.
Ultimately, JYP USA assured that they will "take all necessary measures to ensure that neither the other members of VCHA nor JYP USA suffer further harm as a result of this matter."
In 2023, VCHA, a Los Angeles-based girl group, was formed through the reality competition America2Korea (A2K), a joint venture between JYP Entertainment and Republic Records, with the goal of "forming the first American girl group using the K-Pop system.
The group is currently composed of five members: Lexi, Camila, Kendall, Savanna, and Kaylee. Some of their hit songs include SeVit (New Light), Y.O.Universe, and Ready for the World.
