3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Teen former member of US-based K-pop group VCHA sues label alleging abuse and exploitation
Something about K-pop always captivated Kiera Grace Madder. The 17-year-old singer has been a fan of its synchronised choreography, fashion-forward outfits and distinctive sound for as long as she can remember.
So in 2022, when she learned that JYP Entertainment, one of the biggest K-pop talent agencies, had plans to make a group with North American-based talent, she jumped at the opportunity. She auditioned for a reality show and earned her place in an all-girl group called VCHA, with five other teens.
But last summer, less than a year after officially debuting, the group pulled out of a performance and went quiet on social media.
In a lawsuit filed last December against JYP USA in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Madder, who goes by the stage name KG Crown, revealed she had left VCHA and alleged child labour law violations, abuse and exploitation.
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'I knew the K-pop system was very hard-working – probably one of the most hard-working systems in the music industry,' Madder said. 'I'm a hard worker, so I was willing to put in any hard work, but I did not know about what can go on behind closed doors.'
JYP USA issued a statement on social media when the lawsuit was filed, claiming Madder had made 'unilateral public statements containing false and exaggerated claims'.
