Former VCHA Member KG Speaks Out: Lawsuit Against JYP USA Exposes Alleged K-Pop Industry Mistreatment

Former VCHA member KG has spoken out following JYP USA’s official response to her ongoing legal battle with the company.

For those unfamiliar with the situation, the 17-year-old American singer, whose real name is Kiera Grace Madder, revealed the reasons behind her departure from the global girl group in a statement she posted to her Instagram on Saturday, December 8.

In the post, KG described the struggles she faced during her time under the South Korean entertainment powerhouse, claiming that a toxic work culture negatively impacted the mental health of group members, which not only contributed to eating disorders among the idols but also led to a member reportedly attempting suicide.

“I do not blame anyone for the treatment endured, but feel this is an issue that lies deep embedded in the K-Pop industry,” KG said. “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.”

VCHA, a group formed through the survival program A2K (America2Korea), showcased a rigorous K-pop training system under the guidance of J.Y. Park. The group eventually debuted in January 2024 and went on hiatus shortly after, with plans for a comeback in 2025. However, KG’s allegations against JYP Entertainment’s U.S. subsidiary have cast a shadow over the group’s future.

After KG took to Instagram to announce her lawsuit, JYP USA responded with a statement posted to VCHA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, December 8. The company alleged that KG left the group’s shared living space in May and claimed that attempts to reach an agreement with her legal team had been unsuccessful. JYP USA further disputed KG’s accusations, describing them as “false and exaggerated.”

In response to the company’s denial, KG pushed back, asserting that her legal team is fully prepared to move forward with the lawsuit.

“I am very disappointed in the company’s lack of accountability. My legal team and I are fully prepared with photographic and physical evidence to prove my allegations are factual, not ‘exaggerated’ nor ‘false,’” she said.

“Thank you to the public for your unwavering support. Please treat both sides with kindness, as this is a difficult time for everyone,” she continued. “I will continue to fight for better treatment of K-pop idols and trainees, in which I promise to speak nothing but the truth. I hope by coming forward, other trainees, idols, and group members can be encouraged to use their voice, in order to make positive changes in the K-pop industry.”

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, there are many resources available. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

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