“Why is the group still active atp?” wrote one fan when JYP Entertainment announced the news of Kaylee’s exit. With two members gone and KG’s shocking claims of harsh treatment by JYP Entertainment, it looks like VCHA could be headed for disbandment.
On July 12 (local time), JYP Entertainment released a brief official statement regarding Kaylee’s exit from VCHA, stating,
JYP America and Kaylee have mutually agreed to part ways as she concludes her journey with VCHA. Both parties sincerely wish each other all the best in their future endeavors. Thank you.
Kaylee, born on November 24, 2009, is a Korean-American singer who competed on the survival show A2K, where she placed 5th and earned her spot in VCHA. Over 1.5 years later, the 15-year-old singer left VCHA and JYP Entertainment. In March last year, Kaylee suspended activities due to deteriorating health conditions.
Fans feel that JYP Entertainment failed to nurture the members’ talents properly. Many believe VCHA could have matched the success of HYBE’s global girl group KATSEYE, but poor handling, minimal releases, and almost no promotion held them back.
Previously, former VCHA member KG, whose real name is Kiera Grace Madder, filed a lawsuit against JYP USA. She accused the company of violating child labor laws, exploitation, and abuse.
In her complaint, the 18-year-old singer claims that JYP tightly controlled every aspect of members’ lives, from their daily schedules and diets to their personal time, even installing hidden cameras to monitor them around the clock in their dorm.
She describes harrowing working conditions, including being forced to practice for hours while injured and being denied breaks or water. KG says that during one rehearsal, she was pushed so hard she tore a tendon in her shoulder, but was denied timely medical care. She also alleges that meals were severely restricted to tiny salads and that members’ weight was constantly monitored.
According to her lawsuit, the group was told to stay silent when one member attempted suicide, highlighting what she describes as a culture of neglect for mental health.
KG further claims that despite grueling hours, they were paid well below California’s minimum wage and had to shoulder shared living expenses, which left her with personal debt estimated at around $500,000.
In response, JYP Entertainment has denied the allegations, describing them as false and exaggerated, and said they will address the matter through the proper legal channels.
Meanwhile, VCHA’s most recent release was their single Only One, which came out in March 2024. On December 8, 2024, JYP USA announced that the group would enter an indefinite hiatus because of the ongoing legal dispute involving member KG.
