JYP Entertainment’s “Controlling” Contract Sparks Major Backlash
JYP Entertainment’s contract clauses on appearance and personalities spark backlash amid VCHA KG‘s legal action against the company.
Amid VCHA’s hiatus, member KG recently announced her departure from the group and started legal action against the company over abuse and mistreatment.
Following the lawsuit, the JYP contract attached to the lawsuit has been shared online and is gaining major criticism. In particular, it discussed matters regarding the idol’s image that the company can control. When speaking about hair, it was discussed that the style and role taken by the company should not be altered.
“(i) You agree that You shall not, without Company’s approval, materially alter your hairstyle (including length or color) for the duration of the Term of this Agreement. Company shall exercise such approval right in good faith and shall only disapprove of any alteration of your hairstyle if such alteration interferes with the rendition of your services under this Agreement or, in Company’s sole good faith discretion, such alteration impairs the Group’s business or the Group’s and/or Company’s brand.
(ii) In the event Company requests, and You approve, of any material alteration of your hairstyle, the cost of such alteration and subsequent maintenance thereof shall be provided by Company at Company’s sole expense. Upon termination or expiration of the Term of this Agreement, Company will provide, at Company’s sole expense, restoration of color and style to the extent possible considering the length of the hair at the time.”
— JYP Contract
Yet, while the strictness of hairstyles is well-known, as it often is decided based on the group’s concept and comebacks, along with coordinating it with outfits and the other members, other aspects of the contract sparked shock. It spoke on the control over “skin color” and factors that could impact any change.
(iii) You agree to avoid any activity that might result in significant changes to your normal skin color, such as excessive exposure to the sun or tanning equipment, to the extent that such significant change would interfere with the rendition of yourservices under this Agreement or, in Company’s sole good faith discretion, would impair the Group’s business or the Group’s and/or Company’s brand.
— JYP Contract
It then raised eyebrows speaking about the topic of personality and how the company can assign a “designated character and personality” to the idol, including name, appearance, role, and demeanor that is consistent with the character.
(b) Member Personality. You acknowledge and agree that You may be assigned a designated character and personality within the Group, which designation may require You to, for the duration of the Term:
(i) go by a designated moniker (“Member Name”);
(ii) maintain a physical appearance and personality/demeanor that is consistent with your assigned character; and
(iii) perform a designated role within the Group (e.g., lead singer,
dancer, etc.) (collectively with the Member Name, the “Member Personality”).
Company will meaningfully consult with You regarding the Member Personality, provided that in the event of a dispute Company’s decision will be final.— JYP Contract
When images of the contract were shared online, netizens shared their anger at the control of the company.
JYPE's contract for vcha is everything I have known about K-pop, but seeing it written down makes it so insane.
Being assigned a personality and controlled right down to your hair, not being allowed to speak up against the company, just crazy. pic.twitter.com/2U3Xd1Ko5F— minnie (@kittysnakehyune) December 9, 2024
please read through this.
there are clauses for skin color. hair color. all social media posts must be approved by the company. the company can post on their behalf. they cannot say anything negative about the company or their affiliates.
everything is controlled. https://t.co/uiCUQCfQ3u
— bry ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ (@notbrythemoon) December 9, 2024
I remembered the tweets saying things like "this ship is real" after reading Jype's contract that treats idols as characters
— Liliknower (@lklandia) December 9, 2024
I was reading KG's contract with Jype. Later I will read it all, more calmly, but some points caught my attention. It literally treats idols like characters and forces them to keep the character assigned to them full time. pic.twitter.com/tgsRTzkghw
— Liliknower (@lklandia) December 9, 2024
You can read JYP’s response to KG’s claims below.
JYP Entertainment Releases Statement Addressing Ex-VCHA KG’s Lawsuit & Abuse Claims
