KG, Ex-Member of VCHA, Sues JYP USA Over Abuse, Child Labor, and Unfair Practices.

JYP USA Inc., the American branch of global K-pop giant JYP Entertainment, is facing a lawsuit filed on December 6, 2024, in Los Angeles County Court. The case, brought forward by Tracey Madder, acting as guardian for a minor identified as KG (also known as KG Crown), alleges serious claims of child labor exploitation, emotional and physical abuse, neglect, and unfair business practices. These allegations are tied to the 17-year-old singer’s time in the girl group VCHA, which is managed by JYP Entertainment.

JYP USA Inc., the American division of global K-pop powerhouse JYP Entertainment, is under legal scrutiny after KG, a 17-year-old member of the K-pop girl group VCHA, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Court on December 6, 2024. The lawsuit alleges child labor exploitation, emotional and physical abuse, and unfair business practices during KG’s time with the group. KG’s legal action highlights troubling working conditions, including unpaid labor, mental health neglect, and physical mistreatment under the supervision of JYP staff. This high-profile case could have significant implications for the treatment of young performers in the global K-pop industry, particularly regarding California labor laws designed to protect minors in entertainment.

Allegations Against JYP USA Inc. in Lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, includes a series of disturbing allegations from KG, a Los Angeles native who was recruited by JYP Entertainment and later became a member of VCHA. KG’s legal complaint outlines instances of mistreatment by staff members, including:

• Physical and emotional abuse: KG claims she was subjected to rigorous rehearsals without adequate medical attention, leading to injuries like a torn shoulder tendon. Additionally, VCHA members were allegedly coerced into performing despite sickness or injury, facing threats if they did not comply.
• Unpaid labor: The lawsuit asserts that KG worked more than 12 hours a day for just $500 per week, well below California’s minimum wage.
• Involuntary silence and surveillance: The lawsuit further alleges that JYP USA placed strict controls over KG’s personal life, including using concealed cameras to monitor the members’ movements, eating habits, and communications.
• Mental health neglect: KG reported that staff failed to respond adequately to a suicide attempt by another member of VCHA, and there was significant pressure on the group to meet extreme body image standards, contributing to mental health struggles and self-harm.

KG’s Decision to Leave VCHA and Terminate Her Contract

On December 7, 2024, KG announced via Instagram that she had made the difficult decision to terminate her contract with JYP Entertainment and exit VCHA. She explained that her decision was made in May, but she had been waiting for her contract to be released.

“I filed a lawsuit because I have decided to terminate my contract with JYP Entertainment and exit VCHA after experiencing incidents of abuse and mistreatment by certain staff members,” KG wrote on her Instagram Story. “I am worried for the girls who remain in VCHA, my friends, who I truly love and care for. I also realized if I remain at JYP Entertainment, I am not able to become the artist I aspire to be.”

KG also highlighted the extreme working conditions, including excessive debt and the suppression of her personal and creative freedom, which ultimately led to her departure.

The Legal Battle

At the heart of the lawsuit is the assertion that JYP USA has violated California labor laws, which offer comprehensive protections for minors in the entertainment industry. The suit seeks both financial compensation for KG’s suffering and injunctive relief to protect her future career as an independent artist. The case challenges JYP USA’s claims to control KG’s career and restrict her social media posts, which have violated her personal rights.

Jeremiah D. Graham, the attorney representing KG, emphasized the core issue: “It is imperative that KG’s rights as a young artist within the entertainment sector are recognized and protected.” The lawsuit seeks to hold JYP USA accountable for the mistreatment of not just KG but also other minors in the entertainment industry, with a call for broader changes in the treatment of young talent within the K-pop system.

Labor Violations and California Law

Under California’s labor laws, minors are entitled to specific protections in the workplace. The California Labor Code stipulates that minors cannot work more than 4 hours on school days or 8 hours on non-school days, with a maximum of 48 hours per week. Additionally, minors must be paid the state’s minimum wage, which is far higher than the $500 per week that KG was reportedly earning.

In this case, KG’s claim of being subjected to over 12-hour workdays without appropriate compensation points to potential violations of these laws, which could result in significant legal and financial consequences for JYP USA Inc.

At the time of this report, JYP USA and Republic Records, the U.S. label affiliated with VCHA, have not issued a public response to the lawsuit. Additionally, no statement has been provided by other members of VCHA or JYP Entertainment regarding the specific allegations made by KG.

This legal action shines a spotlight on the treatment of minors in the global K-pop industry, which has faced criticism for its grueling schedules, emotional tolls, and exploitation of young talent. KG’s brave decision to publicly address her mistreatment could spark broader conversations about the need for reforms in how entertainment companies treat their young artists, particularly those under the age of 18.

JYP Entertainment

JYP Entertainment is one of the most influential and successful South Korean entertainment companies, founded by Park Jin-young (also known as J.Y. Park) in 1997. Renowned for its global impact on the K-pop industry, JYP Entertainment has produced some of the most iconic and internationally recognized artists, shaping the K-pop genre and expanding it beyond Asia to a global audience.

With a diverse roster of artists and a focus on talent development, JYP Entertainment has grown to become one of the “Big 3” entertainment companies in South Korea, alongside SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment.

JYP Entertainment is known for launching and managing successful groups and solo artists across multiple genres, including K-pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Some of the most notable acts from the company include:

• Wonder Girls: One of the first K-pop groups to break into the U.S. market with their hit “Nobody,” they were trailblazers in spreading K-pop internationally.
• 2PM: A boy group known for their powerful performances and iconic hits like “Again & Again” and “My House.”
• TWICE: A massively popular girl group that debuted in 2015 and has since become one of the top global K-pop groups, known for their catchy music and strong international fanbase.
• Stray Kids: A boy group formed in 2017 that has gained a dedicated following worldwide, known for their self-produced music and unique style.
• ITZY: A girl group that debuted in 2019, celebrated for their bold concept and empowering music, quickly becoming a major player in the K-pop industry.

JYP has also helped develop notable solo artists such as Sunmi, J.Y. Park himself, and Nayeon of TWICE, who have enjoyed successful careers both within and outside of K-pop.

 

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