VCHA group member KG has filed a lawsuit in opposition to the group’s label JYP USA.
The 17-year-old performer introduced her departure from the group on Instagram on Dec. 7 and the lawsuit, which was filed on her behalf by her mom, Tracey Madder, in keeping with Teen Vogue.
The submitting accuses the label of “youngster labor exploitation, youngster neglect and abuse, [and] unfair enterprise practices” throughout KG’s time as a trainee and a member of the lady group.
The surprising growth comes after months of silence from the lady group, which gained the 2023 actuality present A2K.
READ MORE: ‘A2K’ Winners VCHA Are 2024’s ‘Ladies of the 12 months’ (INTERVIEW)
The present was a collaboration between Korean powerhouse JYP Leisure and U.S. report label Republic Data in an effort to create a “international lady group” utilizing the Ok-pop trainee system.
Nonetheless, regardless of tons of hype, VCHA pulled out of their July Lollapalooza efficiency to a lot hypothesis, and have been principally inactive on social media since, and it appears KG’s lawsuit might be the rationale why.
“I filed a lawsuit as a result of I’ve determined to terminate my contract with JYP Leisure and exit VCHA after experiencing incidents of abuse and mistreatment by sure workers members. I really feel it was not a superb atmosphere for my psychological well being and I apologize if my depart disappoints any of you,” KG shared on her Instagram Story.
“I made this determination again in Might and am nonetheless ready for launch from my contract. I’m anxious for the women who stay in VCHA, my mates, who I actually love and look after,” she added.
She additionally famous that her want to write down songs and dive into music manufacturing was a part of her alternative to go away the group and the corporate.
“I additionally realized if I stay at JYP Leisure, I’m not in a position to turn into the artist l aspire to be, as I actually get pleasure from songwriting and manufacturing. I’ve amassed an enormous quantity of firm debt, whereas being paid little or no for the extreme work and excessive limitations on our private lives,” she defined.
She added, “Though such incidents occurred, there have been additionally stunning moments.”
And, regardless of her lawsuit, she thanked JYP label head J.Y. Park, a notable determine within the Ok-pop world.
“J.Y. Park, firm executives, and workers for believing in me and the distinctive coaching. [I] really feel this is a matter that lies deep[ly] embedded within the Ok-Pop business… I hope that my depart can encourage the Ok-Pop system to make adjustments for the higher, in hopes of defending the idols and trainees who stay in these corporations’ arms,” she mentioned.
In keeping with Teen Vogue, KG accused JYP of “grueling” work circumstances, monetary exploitation, and inadequate psychological well being care.
Her lawyer Jeremiah D. Graham mentioned the claims are a violation of California’s “labor, employment, and contract protections for minors.”
The lawsuit particulars allegations of bodily and psychological neglect from the leisure firm when working with the group.
KG claimed she was “required [to] carry out strenuous bodily actions with out ample relaxation, diet, or medical consideration, resulting in bodily accidents together with a torn tendon in her shoulder and a leg damage.”
She alleged she was informed to “repeat a single dance transfer lots of of occasions with out relaxation and forcing her to squat between repetitions,” which allegedly led to a shoulder damage.
She was additionally allegedly informed “she might solely drink water when she perfected the transfer.”
KG additionally claimed she was typically paid lower than the agreed-upon wage and was not paid for extra time work, which frequently occurred.
The group’s $2.5 million L.A. home additionally allegedly put the performer $500,000 in debt.
Not solely that, however KG added that the group was beneath “fixed surveillance” because of “hidden cameras” that “recorded the women’ non-public conversations and meals with out their consent or data.”
Plus, “a surveillance sticker discovered on the ceiling of the pantry additional revealed that their consuming habits had been being monitored across the clock.”
Members had been additionally topic to “verbal and emotional abuse” associated to their our bodies and consuming habits which “culminated in [another member’s] suicide try in February 2024.”
On Dec. 9, JYP USA referred to as the allegations “false” and “exaggerated” in a assertion.
Most Distinctive Ok-Pop Gentle Sticks Ever
From magical scepters to baseball bat, listed below are a number of the most unusual and enjoyable Ok-pop mild stick designs.
Gallery Credit score: Taylor Alexis Heady