VCHA official
KG, a member of the multinational girl group VCHA, jointly launched by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records, has filed a lawsuit against JYP Entertainment. The lawsuit alleges abusive practices, unhealthy work environments, and systemic problems in the K-Pop idol training system. In an emotional post shared on Instagram, KG detailed the reasons for her departure from the group and her decision to take legal action.
KG’s Allegations and Lawsuit
According to her statement, KG experienced abuse from JYP staff, including extreme dietary restrictions, verbal mistreatment, and constant surveillance that violated her privacy. She revealed that one of her teammates even attempted suicide due to the toxic environment fostered by the company. KG explicitly criticized the idol training system for encouraging eating disorders and self-harming behaviors among its young trainees.
“I decided to terminate my exclusive contract and leave the group in May this year, but I am still waiting for my contract termination to be finalized,” KG shared. She expressed deep concern for her former teammates, stating, “I worry for the other members of VCHA, who I love and care about deeply.”
KG further voiced her frustration, saying, “Our personal lives were extremely restricted, and we were paid barely anything for the intense work we put in. While I don’t want to blame anyone for enduring such treatment, I believe this issue is deeply rooted in the K-Pop industry itself.”
Through her lawsuit, KG seeks to shed light on the systemic issues within the K-pop industry, urging the company and the entertainment system as a whole to implement better protections for current idols and trainees.
KG instagram
The Lawsuit Summary
KG’s lawsuit against JYP USA Inc. alleges the following:
- Child Labor Violations: KG, a minor at the time, was made to work grueling hours, violating California labor laws.
- Unsafe Work Environment: Extreme physical demands resulted in injuries, including a torn shoulder tendon. Medical recommendations for rest were ignored.
- Unfair Compensation: KG claims she was paid significantly below the minimum wage while being saddled with debt for living expenses forced upon her.
- Invasion of Privacy: Hidden cameras were allegedly installed in living areas without consent.
- Emotional Abuse: KG was reportedly subjected to verbal abuse and extreme pressure to conform to unhealthy beauty and weight standards.
The lawsuit seeks damages for physical and emotional harm, the recovery of unpaid wages, and injunctive relief to prevent further harm to other idols under JYP’s management.
JYP Entertainment’s Response
JYP Entertainment has expressed regret over the situation while denying KG’s allegations. In an official statement, JYP USA said, “In May, KG left the group residence and requested negotiations through her legal representative. Since then, we have been discussing various resolutions, temporarily halting VCHA’s future activities to accommodate these discussions.”
JYP claims it has not received further responses from KG’s representatives and is disappointed by her decision to go public with what they described as “false and exaggerated” claims.
“This lawsuit and KG’s one-sided announcements have caused significant harm to both VCHA’s remaining members and our company,” the statement continued. JYP added that it plans to take “all necessary measures” to protect the group’s remaining members and the company’s interests.
A Call for Industry Change
In her closing remarks, KG stated, “I hope my departure can lead to meaningful changes in the K-Pop system, ensuring the safety and well-being of idols and trainees still under this company’s care.”
The lawsuit and its allegations have sparked conversations about the ethical responsibilities of entertainment companies in nurturing young talent and protecting their well-being. As the case unfolds, it may become a pivotal moment for the K-pop industry, demanding greater transparency and accountability from its major players.
