A Former Member of L.A. K-pop Group VCHA Files Lawsuit Against JYP Entertainment, Alleging Child Labor Law Violations and Exploitation
A Former Member of L.A. K-pop Group VCHA Files Lawsuit Against JYP Entertainment, Alleging Child Labor Law Violations and Exploitation
Kiera Grace Madder, known by her stage name KG Crown, has filed a lawsuit against JYP Entertainment, alleging child labor law violations, abuse, and exploitation. The lawsuit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court, reveals the harrowing experiences faced by young trainees within the K-pop industry, highlighting systemic issues that demand urgent regulatory attention.
### Child Labor Law Violations:
Madder's lawsuit claims JYP Entertainment subjected the trainees to excessive surveillance, dietary restrictions, and forced training sessions. She alleges that the company maintained full control over the trainees' schedules, even on days off, and required approval to leave the house. This practice led Madder to feel trapped, likening the situation to being in a prison.
### Abuse and Exploitation:
The lawsuit describes cases of underfed trainees and forced training despite injuries, leading to physical exhaustion and mental distress. Madder's lawsuit includes text messages showing her forced to "dance through the pain," highlighting the relentless demands placed on her and her peers.
### Financial Mismanagement:
Madder alleges that JYP Entertainment underpaid her, with her earnings falling below California's minimum wage. She is also saddled with over $500,000 in debt to JYP for "company expenses," further illustrating the exploitative practices within the industry.
### Health Concerns:
Trainees were reportedly denied meal breaks and water during rehearsals, and Madder recounts instances of being forced to continue training despite injuries. The lawsuit includes photos of her in hospital gowns and receipts for medical treatments, along with images of bruises sustained during dance training.
### Quotes from Madder:
"I knew the K-pop system was very hardworking — probably one of the most hardworking systems in the music industry," said Madder. "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."
"I honestly felt like it was a prison and the house staff was the prison guard," Madder said. "I felt like JYP had become my parent, but the strictest parent I ever lived with."
"Honestly I feel like I don’t [have] a personality anymore or am my own person. They changed me and I lost all my good," Madder expressed in a text conversation included in the lawsuit.
### Conclusion
KG Crown's lawsuit serves as a critical insight into the harsh realities faced by young trainees in the K-pop industry. It emphasizes the need for better regulations and protections to safeguard the rights of young individuals pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.