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 since its debut in January 2024 but was mentioned to be returning in the coming year. Now, former member KG has exposed the alleged mistreatment of JYP Entertainment’s subsidiary.
Previously, on December 7, KG announced her departure. She shared that she had filed a lawsuit against JYP Entertainment after experiencing abuse at the hands of the company’s staff via her Instagram Stories. 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. Her lawsuit revealed details regarding these allegations.
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
On December 8, subsidiary JYP USA addressed KG’s allegations, releasing a statement on VCHA’s X (formerly Twitter) account. In the statement, the company claimed that KG left the group’s residence in May and attempted to come to resolutions with the former member’s representatives but has not received any responses recently. JYP USA also claimed that KG’s statement contained “false and exaggerated claims.”
Dear All,
This is JYP USA.
We would like to address the recent lawsuit filed by Kiera Grace Madder (hereafter referred to as ‘KG’) and her public statements on social media.
In May of this year, KG left group residence and initiated discussions through her legal representatives. In response, we temporarily suspended VCHA’s planned activities and engaged in extensive discussions with KG’s representatives to explore potential resolutions. However, recently we have not received any response from KG’s representatives, leaving our legal representatives awaiting further communication.
We deeply regret KG’s decision to file a lawsuit and make unilateral public statements containing 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.
JYP USA 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.
Thank you.
— JYP USA
Now, fellow A2K contestants are speaking up.
Former contestants Mischa Salkin and Cristina Lopez both shared posts via Instagram, expressing their support for KG as she takes action against JYP USA. They shared photos of themselves, respectively, with KG, along with words of encouragement.
Meanwhile, read KG’s latest statement below.
Ex-VCHA’s KG Responds To JYP Entertainment’s Statement
