VCHA’s KG Announces Her Departure + Legal Action Against JYP Entertainment Over Abuse And Mistreatment

VCHA has been on hiatus for several months.

VCHA member KG has announced her departure from the group as well as plans to sue JYP Entertainment over alleged abuse and mistreatment.

KG | VCHA/Instagram

On December 7, KG shared an Instagram story that revealed she had filed a lawsuit against JYP Entertainment after experiencing abuse at the hands of the company’s staff. She claimed that the treatment was so bad that a member of the group had attempted to take her own life, as well as caused a member to self-harm.

She thanked fans for their support and expressed her desire that the K-Pop system would change.

Yesterday, I filed a lawsuit because I have decided to terminate my contract with JYP Entertainment and exit VCHA after experiencing incidents of abuse and mistreatment by certain staff members. I feel it was not a good environment for my mental health and I apologize if my leave disappoints any of you.

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.

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. I also realized if I remain at JYP Entertainment, I am not able to become the artist I aspire to be, as I really enjoy songwriting and production. I have accumulated a massive amount of company debt, while being paid very little for the intense work and extreme limitations on our personal lives. Although such incidents occurred, there were also beautiful moments.

I’d like to thank J.Y Park, company executives, and staff for believing in me and the exceptional training. I do not blame anyone for the treatment endured, but feel this is an issue that lies deep 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.

I hope that my leave can encourage the K-Pop system to make changes for the better, in hopes of protecting the idols and trainees who remain in these companies’ hands.

— KG

VCHA was formed through the survival show A2K (America2Korea), which featured J.Y. Park forming a girl group trained under the K-Pop system. The group has been on hiatus following their debut in Janaury 2024, but was mentioned to be returning in the coming year.