JYP Entertainment has denied allegations of abuse made by KG, a 17-year-old American member of its global girl group VCHA, following her announcement that she is leaving the team. In a statement issued on Dec. 9 through its U.S. subsidiary, JYP USA, the company described KG’s claims as “false and exaggerated.”
According to the statement, KG left the group’s dormitory in May and sought discussions through legal representatives. “In response, VCHA’s activities were temporarily paused while we explored various resolutions with KG’s representatives,” JYP said. However, the company noted that KG’s side had not provided any responses in recent weeks.
JYP voiced regret over KG’s decision to go public with her accusations and initiate legal action. “This situation has caused significant harm to VCHA’s other members, who are diligently preparing for a 2025 album release and other plans,” the company stated.
The agency added that it would take “all necessary measures to prevent further harm” to the remaining members and the company.
The dispute escalated after KG posted on Instagram on Dec. 8, alleging she had experienced abuse from certain staff members, leading to her decision to leave the group. She also revealed she had filed a lawsuit against JYP, citing restrictive working and living conditions that she claimed had negatively affected her mental health. KG further alleged that some VCHA members had engaged in self-harm or made extreme attempts due to the conditions.
VCHA, a joint U.S.-Korean girl group, debuted in January 2024 through the global project “A2K,” a collaboration between JYP Entertainment and Republic Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group.
