Movies

Former teen member of L.A. K-pop group sues management, alleging abuse and exploitation

BBG News

As a cinephile like me, K-pop has always held a special allure for Kiera Grace Madder – a 17-year-old singer. The synchronized dance routines, avant-garde ensembles, and distinctive tunes originating from South Korea have been a part of my admiration since I can recall.

In the year 2022, upon discovering that JYP Entertainment, a prominent K-pop agency, was planning to establish a team with talent from North America, she seized the moment. She went through an audition process and secured her spot in a girl group named VCHA, consisting of five other young individuals.

however, just under a year since their official launch, the band unexpectedly withdrew from Lollapalooza and largely disappeared on social media platforms last summer. In legal proceedings initiated in December against JYP USA at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, one of its members, KG Crown (formerly known as Madder), disclosed her departure from VCHA and claimed instances of child labor law infringements, abuse, and exploitation.

In an interview with The Times, Madder expressed that the K-pop system is exceptionally dedicated – possibly one of the most diligent in the music industry. Being a diligent person myself, I was ready to put in as much effort as needed, but I wasn’t aware of the things that can happen when doors are closed.

JYP USA posted a response on social media after the lawsuit was filed, stating that Madder had made one-sided, inaccurate, and overly dramatic statements.

The agency chose not to provide any more information when questioned by The Times, as they referred to an “ongoing court case.

According to legal records, the individual referred to as “K.M.” stated that she signed her agreement with JYP when she was fifteen years old.

Music

Before taking the stage at SMTown, NCT Dream shares insights on ‘Dreamscape’, emphasizing the significance of self-discipline within the music industry, while giving a sneak peek into their forthcoming “forward-thinking” album.

VCHA embarked on a rigorous training program, frequently shuttling between JYP’s headquarters in Seoul and Los Angeles for rehearsals. In Los Angeles, these six girls resided together in a lavish $2.5-million mansion in Beverly Hills, as Madder claims they were under constant watch. The lawsuit states that living in the house was “open to choice,” but according to Madder, she felt compelled to stay there due to the pressure from JYP’s staff.

Beyond a resident caretaker who supervised the girls, Madder mentions that video cameras were also employed to observe and record their personal discussions. The court case alleges that the company disguised these cameras as components of the “home’s security system” during installation.

As stated in Madder’s lawsuit, the surveillance system was designed to “exert control over what we eat, where we move, and how we behave.

According to Madder’s lawsuit, it is alleged that JYP closely managed the schedules of the trainees, even on their days off. The group members were required to submit their plans in advance and receive approval before leaving home. Remarkably, the lawsuit claims she had to seek permission just to visit her mother during weekends.

Madder expressed that the environment felt more like a confinement and the house staff acted as guards, he said. He likened JYP to a very strict parent he’s ever had in his life.

Madder’s legal claim suggests that the company had authority over her food intake and consistently urged her to consume fewer calories. She claimed that their meals were limited to modest salads, and it was observed that they maintained close tabs on their weight.

The thinner you are, the more respect and attractiveness you’ll receive, which is absurd, Madder stated. Sometimes in South Korea, they would tell us, ‘Lose weight or you won’t be satisfied with your appearance on screen.'”

“In a strange and unfair way, being thinner equals more respect and beauty, according to Madder. At times, people in South Korea would say, ‘You need to lose weight or else you’ll regret how you look on camera.’

During their training for performances, it’s said that JYP reportedly pushed the VCHA girls to extreme physical exhaustion. In her lawsuit, Madder claims she was not allowed meal breaks or water during rehearsals, and further alleges she was forced to work long hours with minimal rest. According to the lawsuit, Madder’s days usually started at 7 a.m., involving a few hours of school, followed by rehearsals that began at 10:30 a.m. and often extended into the late night hours.

Music

Just before wrapping up the North American leg of their tour, the world-renowned artist was spotted near downtown’s BMO Stadium on both Friday and Sunday, as reported by The Times.

In the lawsuit, it’s stated that Madder claims she was required to carry on training even after sustaining injuries on numerous occasions. The dance instructor is said to have focused specifically on Madder, making her practice a move over a hundred times without a break, an action which allegedly led to a shoulder tendon tear.

As a devoted cinephile, I can say that during those moments when the film’s emotional intensity gripped me, I found myself choked up and feeling quite anxious. It’s the kind of situation where things don’t necessarily need to reach the boiling point of verbal or physical abuse to be intense and impactful.

She was compelled to practice even with injuries on her hip and leg, as stated in her legal complaint. The court documents contain pictures of her wearing hospital gowns, bills for medical care, as well as images of bruises that she alleges came from dance training. Additionally, there are screenshots of messages from Madder stating that she was made to “dance through the pain.

In a message exchanged last May, which is part of the lawsuit, she expressed, “To be completely honest, I seem to have lost my individuality and identity. They transformed me so much that I’ve forgotten what was once good about me.

Based on court documents, the strain from training led Madder to stop attending school. She claims that fellow group members suffered from eating disorders, self-injury, and tragically, in February of the previous year, one of them made a suicide attempt.

Since parting ways with my fellow VCHA comrades back in May 2024, I haven’t had any conversations with them, as a movie enthusiast might put it.

In the lawsuit, Madder claims that JYP has been underpaying her, not providing the promised royalties, and neglecting to share a portion of the group’s earnings. The lawsuit states that she was paid only $500 for weeks in which she worked more than 12 hours daily, which is lower than California’s minimum wage requirement.

According to Madder’s lawsuit, she claims that she owes over half a million dollars to JYP Entertainment for costs related to the company.

Music

The superstar K-pop group makes its L.A. debut on its world tour Sunday night at Kia Forum.

In her legal claim, she asserts that she was compelled to approve agreements with minimal time for examination, among which were documents written in Korean – a language she’s unable to understand.

In a statement given to The Times, Tracey Madder, her mother, mentioned that the legal action was entirely Kayla’s (KG) choice and one that she wholeheartedly endorses, considering the difficult circumstances Kayla has gone through.

“I am hopeful for the best possible outcome for all parties involved,” she said.

Since leaving VCHA, the younger Madder has found it impossible to work, produce music, or update her social media accounts.

Upon returning home for the first time following her departure from the JYP mansion, she expressed feeling as though she had been “deprogrammed” and doubted that she would ever find success in the music industry once more.

The next court hearing in her lawsuit is set for June 20.

Madder expressed his hope that the judge might understand the circumstances better and grant him release. He clarified that he’s not seeking fame or recognition, but simply longs for his freedom.

Read More

2025-06-03 13:33

Previous post Solana Survives the Storm: Bulls Take the Wheel! 🚀🔥
Next post Will XRP ETFs Rocket to the Moon? Plus a Secret Weapon for Solana