Kiera Grace Maddie—a.k.a KG—of VCHA decided that between all the mistreatments and abuse, she just couldn’t take it anymore. And so, KG of VCHA announced to have filed a lawsuit for this abuse, creating a new controversy in Kpop. But, really, do you think it’s an abuse or simply part of the job? Let’s discuss this with us.
KG of VCHA Files Contract Termination Lawsuit Against JYP Entertainment
Kiera Grace Maddie (KG) is terminating her contract with JYP Entertainment and leaving the controversial group VCHA, creating a new massive controversy in the Kpop community.
On December 7, KG posted an Instagram story revealing that she had filed a lawsuit against JYP Entertainment after allegedly suffering abuse from the company’s staff. She shared that the mistreatment was so severe that it led one group member to attempt suicide and another to self-harm.
And yet, unlike NewJeans and HYBE, the issue seems to have nothing to do with JYP himself or the other executives. That’s because, in her IG Story, KG also took a moment to thank key figures like J.Y. Park and the company executives. She wanted to make it clear that they weren’t to blame. Instead, she pointed to the overall environment in the Kpop industry as the root of the issues.
Behind VCHA KG Allegations of Abuse: What REALLY Happened in the Controversy?
In the lengthy statement from KG, a part gained massive attention from the Kpop community.
“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.”
VCHA’s KG.
Not only that, but it seems that the lawsuit revealed that the company had encouraged the members not to eat and were given very little food. Along with this alleged mistreatment, VCHA members also suffered from alleged mental abuse, which then took a serious toll on the members’ mental health.
The lawsuit that VCHA KG filed against JYP also caused more controversy. It stated that one member’s mental health was affected so badly that she developed a “deep eating disorder,” which eventually led to a suicide attempt. This incident occurred in February 2024. At the time, the member reportedly swallowed 42 NyQuil pills and was vomiting uncontrollably the next morning.
Due to this incident, KG and the other members reportedly raised concerns with JYP staff months before the lawsuit. However, the staff dismissed their concerns, stating that eating disorders were common.
Then, when the member disappeared, VCHA was reportedly instructed to lie about everything, claiming it was just “food poisoning.” And worse, the person who was supposed to make sure that JYP followed child labor laws didn’t even know the true cause of her disappearance. They even addressed fans’ concerns, even when they knew nothing of the incident.
Was it Kaylee?
Now, this is where it gets even more shocking. Based on the timeline KG provided, some fans believe the member in question is Kaylee.
Previously, Kaylee went on hiatus in March 2024 and has not yet returned to the currently idle group. It matches exactly with the timeline of the abuse controversy revealed by VCHA KG.
Therefore, fans have expressed concern for Kaylee and the rest of the group members, calling JYP Entertainment to address the serious allegations.
KG mentioned a member tried to commit suicide in February 2024. Kaylee when on her "break for health reasons" in March.
— Auṭumn§ungflower樂★∞⁸合 (@A_Sungflower143) December 8, 2024
She was 14 at the time. It seems it couldve been her. This makes me SICK! @Official_VCHA the staff should be in jail tbh. I cant even ? https://t.co/eYmjNhUy7g
Kaylee is a 14 year old girl. JYPE….you will ROT in the pits! The fact that this was in early March…poor baby. I hope her family sues the daylights out of everyone! ☹️ https://t.co/vL4zsWLUxg
— Z (@ModtasticBling) December 8, 2024
JYP Entertainment’s Statement
So, what did JYP say?
On December 8, an official from JYP released a statement to Star News responding to KG’s lawsuit controversy.
“We haven’t received the official lawsuit filing from KG yet, so we’re still in the process of confirming the details.
Yes, we have discussed the situation through the representatives, but there were some differences in opinion. Therefore, we will move forward according to the proper procedures.”
JYP Entertainment.
Between Abuse and Part of the Job: A Long History of Mistreatments in Kpop
This recent abuse controversy brought by KG of VCHA makes us think once again whether the case was really mistreatment or simply part of the job.
Rigorous training, like constant surveillance, lack of sleep, and eating disorders—all these have been the infamous downside behind all the glory of Kpop idols. Some believe that, just like other professions, these issues are simply the consequences of becoming a Kpop idol, and since Western trainees are new to the business, they might have a harder time adjusting.
And yet, as these issues have been notoriously raised in the spotlight for years, do you think it’s about time someone speaks out against all these ill practices?
Kpop trainees are averagely young, with developing minds and bodies. While early rigorous training might be crucial to reap the ultimate result, it is imperative that the training are balanced with proper nutrition and guidance. Otherwise, these young teenagers would never grow up with a healthy mind and body.
While comments are divided on this abuse controversy from VCHA KG, do you think it’s time for Kpop to grow into a healthier environment for its artists?
And no, it’s not to diminish all the hard work and perseverance required for these trainees to succeed. Instead, it’s to create a more balanced condition for them. After all, rigorous training must also be balanced with rigorous support.
Don’t you think so too? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Meanwhile, let’s watch again VCHA’s stunning performance in “Only One.”
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Source: Instagram, X, TheQoo, Star News.
