Former VCHA member KG (Keira Grace Madder) has come forward with a shocking account of her time with the group.
While the 17-year-old K-pop idol announced her departure, her contract has not yet been terminated. She filed a lawsuit against JYP Entertainment after experiencing abuse and mistreatment.
KG shared details of her departure in a long Instagram post and revealed suffering abuse from certain staff members. At the heart of the controversy are alarming allegations made by her about JYP Entertainment ignoring a suicide attempt by a VCHA member in February 2024.
VCHA Member Suicide Attempt
A court document is making rounds on social media which has added fuel to the fire. JYP Entertainment is being severely criticized for its controversial practices and mishandling of young trainees and idols.
The court document filed by KG reveals that a VCHA member attempted suicide in February this year after developing an eating disorder. The said member tried to take her life by consuming 42 pills of NyQuill, an OTC Cold medicine.
When KG and group members raised the concerns with JYPE staff, they dismissed saying “Eating disorders are common” and instructed them to lie about it.
Court documents allege that the agency’s neglect of abuse, mental health concerns, and a suicide attempt involving VCHA members, who are mostly minors, constitutes a violation of child welfare standards.
JYP Entertainment’s Controversial Practices
Moreover, the document revealed that KG and her groupmates were under constant surveillance by JYPE. Hidden cameras were installed in the dining area of their accommodation which recorded their private conversations and meals without their knowledge or consent.
A surveillance sticker in the pantry also tracked their eating habits around the clock. As per the document, KG did not discover the cameras until months later, which left her feeling trapped and powerless.
The group suffered verbal and emotional abuse including being publically humiliated by staff.
A disturbing incident that occurred on September 14, 2023, was highlighted in the 77-page document when a JYPE dance teacher ordered KG to perform a demanding move repeatedly, which led to a torn shoulder tendon. The teacher refused KG water, even as her bandmates were allowed to drink. She was only permitted to drink after perfecting the move.
JYP Entertainment tightly controlled her daily life, from morning school sessions to late-night rehearsals. This level of control allegedly came at the cost of her personal freedom, artistic development, and physical well-being.
Massive Debt
Due to the tricky contract terms, VCHA members were compensated fairly for their hard work, if anything, they are in massive debt.
By April 2024, KG was hit with a surprising financial statement from the agency, claiming she owed them a staggering $504,543. This was especially confusing given JYP Entertainment’s own reported profits during that time. However, the unclear accounting practices made it impossible for VCHA members to figure out their actual earnings.
The court document mentions that VCHA had been featured in top publications like Dazed Magazine, Teen Vogue, and Rolling Stone. They had also performed at massive venues like Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and Foro Sol Stadium in Mexico City.
These appearances and performances undoubtedly raked in big profits for JYPE. Yet, none of those earnings showed up in KG’s compensation. Instead, she was told she owed them money.
In addition, it was alleged that the agency forced KG to live in a luxurious group home, despite her contract saying it was optional. They chose a $2.5 million house without her input and later claimed she owed them $500,000. To make matters worse, JYPE deducted this amount from her earnings which essentially made her work for free.
Notably, JYP Entertainment has yet to release an official statement about the alarming allegations made by KG.