Idol Departs Girl Group Amid Abuse Allegations That Include A Suicide Attempt

Earlier this year, many were shocked when KG, a now-former member of VCHA, announced her departure from the group and filed a lawsuit against JYP Entertainment’s USA branch.

KG | JYP Entertain

The girl group VCHA was formed through the survival show A2K (America2Korea), which featured J.Y. Park forming a girl group trained under the K-Pop system. After an initial release, the group remained on hiatus, with the lawsuit being the first official update in a long period.

KG’s lawsuit included claims that she and the other members experienced abuse at the hands of the company’s staff that resulted in injuries in some cases.

On July 11, member Kaylee, who previously was on hiatus, made an announcement on her Instagram account. In the announcement, she revealed that her time with VCHA and JYP Entertainment had ended.

| @kayleegracelee/Instagram

Dear VCHA fans and supporters,

This is Kaylee. I wanted to inform everyone that my journey with JYP Entertainment and VCHA has come to an end.

Firstly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to JYP Entertainment for the incredible opportunity they gave me and for all the experiences I gained during my time as a trainee and member of VCHA.

To all the amazing VLIGHTS, who have supported us with so much love and passion – thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your encouragement has meant the world to me.

While this part of my life is closing, I am incredibly excited for the new one ahead. I’m looking forward to exploring new creative paths and sharing my own unique artistry with you all. I’ve already started working on new things, and I can’t wait to show you what’s next.

I hope you’ll continue to support me as I embark on this new journey. Your continued love means everything. Let’s make new memories together!

With love and gratitude,
Kaylee Lee

— Kaylee

Kaylee was previously on hiatus from the group starting from March 2024. In KG’s lawsuit, she claims that a member was driven to a suicide attempt from the abuse, which many believed to be Kaylee based on the timing, though this has never officially been stated.

We wish Kaylee the best in her future endeavors!

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had self-harming thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out to your local confidential support for people in distress or to call the Lifeline. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s # is 988, OR you can call 1-800-273-8255. Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (UK).