Former VCHA Member KG Files Lawsuit Against JYP Entertainment Over Abuse and Child Labor Exploitation
On February 28, 2025, former VCHA member KG (also known as KG Crown or Kiera Grace Madder) took to social media to announce that she will attend her first court hearing on the morning of March 6, 2025. The hearing will be open to the public, and its outcome will determine whether the case proceeds through arbitration or moves to a formal court trial.
Lawsuit Background
KG's lawsuit was officially filed by
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her mother, Tracey Madder, in the Los Angeles Superior Court on December 6, 2024. The lawsuit accuses JYP Entertainment of child labor exploitation, abuse, and unfair business practices during KG's time as a trainee and member of the girl group VCHA.
KG, a 17-year-old American singer, became a member of VCHA through the A2K (America 2 Korea) survival show, a collaborative project between JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. The group features six members—KG, Lexi, Camila, Kendall, Savanna, and Kaylee—with diverse cultural backgrounds, including Caucasian, Latina, Black, Korean, Vietnamese, and Hmong heritage.
KG's Allegations
In her statement, KG accused JYP Entertainment of creating a toxic work environment that severely impacted her mental health. She claimed that abusive practices within the company led to eating disorders, self-harm, and even a suicide attempt by one of the members.
"I am not in support of the working and living conditions that led a member to attempt suicide. Nor do I support an environment that encourages eating disorders and has caused members to self-harm," KG previously stated.
Arbitration vs. Formal Trial
JYP Entertainment is advocating for arbitration, a private legal process that would keep the proceedings out of the public eye. However, KG is pushing for a formal court trial to ensure transparency and protect her legal rights.
"Arbitration would keep me in the dark and hide crucial information from the public eye," KG emphasized. She vowed to continue providing updates on the case and fight for justice no matter how long it takes.
Public Support
Fans worldwide have shown overwhelming support for KG's bravery in speaking out against one of the biggest entertainment companies in the K-pop industry. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for the treatment of young artists in the industry.
Conclusion
KG's lawsuit against JYP Entertainment highlights the darker side of the K-pop industry, shedding light on the struggles faced by young trainees. As the case unfolds, fans and industry observers will be closely watching to see if transparency and justice prevail.
