Kaylee Becomes 2nd Member to Exit JYP USA Girl Group VCHA

Kaylee Lee, the 15-year-old member of JYP Entertainment’s American girl group VCHA, announced her departure from the group and K-pop company.

“I wanted to inform everyone that my journey with JYP Entertainment and VCHA has come to an end,” she wrote on her newly opened Instagram account. “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!”

Kaylee is the second member to exit VCHA following KG’s explosive announcement in December last year that not only was she leaving the group, but was suing the management under JYP Entertainment USA alleging “abuse and exploitation” (Los Angeles Times) and “child labor exploitation, child neglect and abuse, unfair business practices, and for breach and rescission of an unconscionable contract for the services of a minor” (Forbes). Notably, Kaylee and KG were both VCHA’s youngest members and the only minors at ages 15 and 17 at the time of their respective departures.

JYP USA confirmed Kaylee’s exit, writing in a statement that the two “mutually agreed to part ways as she concludes her journey with VCHA. Both parties sincerely wish each other all the best in their future endeavors.” Previously, the company refuted KG’s initial statement and claims, and the two parties are engaged in a legal battle, with the dispute predicted to go to court this summer.

Before KG’s lawsuit surfaced, JYPE founder and namesake J.Y. Park shared in a press conference that preparations for VCHA’s upcoming music would “differentiate this group from our existing K-pop artists with special and unique contents…I wanted to make sure they’re not K-pop as far as music and visuals even though they’re produced by a K-pop company.”

Reports that the group would return in the first half of 2025 didn’t come to fruition.