VCHA’s KG Responds to JYP USA’s Statement Amid Lawsuit Alleging Abuse and Mistreatment

Kiera Grace Madder, alias KG, a former member of K-pop group VCHA, is responding to JYP USA over her recent lawsuit. The singer took to her Instagram account to express her disappointment over the response from the company in an apparent lack of accountability.

“I am very disappointed in the company’s lack of accountability,” KG wrote. “My legal team and I are fully prepared with photographic and physical evidence to prove my allegations are factual, not ‘exaggerated’ nor ‘false’… I hope by coming forward, other trainees, idols, and group members can be encouraged to use their voice, in order to make positive changes in the K-pop industry.”

KG’s remarks come after JYP USA’s official statement addressing her allegations, which the company described as “false and exaggerated.” The label revealed that it had temporarily suspended VCHA’s activities in May following KG’s initial discussions with her legal team. Despite efforts to resolve the matter, the company claimed that communication from KG’s representatives ceased, leaving JYP USA “awaiting further communication.”

The statement also noted that KG’s public lawsuit has caused harm to the remaining members of VCHA and their upcoming projects for 2025. “JYP USA will take all necessary measures to ensure that neither the other members of VCHA nor JYP USA suffer further harm as a result of this matter,” the statement concluded.

Allegations of Abuse and Trainee Mistreatment

KG’s lawsuit paints a grim picture of life as a K-pop idol. Court documents reveal that a VCHA member attempted suicide in February 2024 by consuming 42 NyQuil pills after developing an eating disorder. KG alleges that when members raised concerns about mental health and eating disorders, their worries were dismissed, with staff reportedly normalizing such struggles.

In her initial statement announcing the lawsuit, KG detailed her decision to leave the group and file legal action. “I feel it was not a good environment for my mental health… I am not in support of the working and living conditions that led a member to attempt suicide,” she wrote. KG also expressed concern for her former groupmates, stating, “I am worried for the girls who remain in VCHA, my friends, who I truly love and care for.”

Additionally, KG cited the financial strain imposed by company debt, low pay, and limitations on personal freedoms as contributing factors to her departure. Despite her grievances, KG extended gratitude to JYP Entertainment for the opportunities and training provided, while emphasizing the systemic nature of the issues she encountered.

“I hope that my leave can encourage the K-Pop system to make changes for the better, in hopes of protecting the idols and trainees who remain in these companies’ hands,” she wrote.

Public and Industry Response

KG’s allegations have sparked widespread discussion within the K-pop community and beyond. Fans have taken to social media to voice their support for the singer, with many praising her courage for speaking out. At the same time, some fans have called for a balanced approach, urging the public to refrain from targeting individuals involved in the case.

As the lawsuit progresses, questions loom about the broader implications for the K-pop industry. The allegations against JYP USA echo long-standing criticisms of the trainee and idol systems, including mental health neglect, extreme dieting practices, and financial exploitation.

For now, VCHA’s activities remain on hold, and the group’s future is uncertain. KG, meanwhile, has vowed to continue advocating for better treatment of idols and trainees, stating, “I will continue to fight for better treatment… and promise to speak nothing but the truth.”