VCHA's American Member KG Leaves Group Amid Allegations of Abuse by JYP Staff

KG, the American member of the global girl group VCHA under JYP Entertainment, has announced her departure from the group, citing abuse by a staff member.

On the 8th, KG took to her Instagram to reveal, "After experiencing abuse from certain staff members, I have decided to terminate my contract with JYP Entertainment and leave VCHA. I filed a lawsuit yesterday."

KG claimed that the working and living conditions within the team negatively impacted her mental health, stating that she decided to leave the group back in May. "I do not support the working and living conditions that led a member to attempt extreme measures," she wrote. "I also do not support an environment that causes eating disorders and self-harm among members."

She further stated, "Despite the intense workload and severe restrictions on personal life, I have accumulated massive debt with little pay." KG added, "I don't intend to blame anyone for the treatment I received, but I believe this is a deeply rooted issue in the K-pop industry."

KG expressed her intention to continue working on music in the future but emphasized, "I do not wish to work on music in such an environment. I hope my decision to leave will bring about changes in the K-pop system to better protect idols and trainees."

VCHA, the group KG was part of, was formed as a Korean-American joint girl group through the global project 'A2K,' a collaboration between JYP and Universal Music Group's Republic Records, debuting in January this year.

In response, JYP Entertainment told TenAsia, "We have not yet received the details directly and are in the process of confirming them. However, there have been differing opinions through representatives regarding the situation. We will proceed according to future procedures."

Reporter Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr