Fans Of JYP Entertainment Artists Clash Over Boycott Plans Following VCHA KG’s Horrific Abuse Accusations

Fans of different groups are having a heated debate online.
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Koreaboo

Content Warning

This article includes descriptions of dieting, body image issues, or eating disorders that may trigger some readers.

Content Warning

This article includes descriptions of suicide or self harm that may disturb some readers.

Following ex-VCHA member KG’s alarming allegations of abuse calls for a boycott of JYP Entertainment have led to heated disagreements between fans.

twice vcha
VCHA with TWICE | Teen Vogue

The uproar began on December 7 when KG announced her departure from JYP Entertainment, along with plans to sue the company. In a candid statement, the 17-year-old shared harrowing details of her time in VCHA, including claims of mistreatment and an environment that severely impacted members’ mental health. Among the most shocking revelations was that one unnamed member had attempted suicide after battling a deep eating disorder.

vcha kg ig
| @official_vcha/Instagram

The details in KG’s lawsuit paint an even more shocking picture. According to the legal documents, the members were reportedly subjected to verbal abuse, restrictive diets, and neglect from staff — along with hidden cameras filming their conversations and eating habits without their knowledge.

vcha members ig
| @official_vcha/Instagram

Now, numerous K-Pop fans across social media are calling for a boycott of JYPE Entertainment as a whole. Many are arguing that impacting the company’s finances is the only way to force them to take accountability for their reported actions against VCHA.

However, not everyone is on board with the idea. In particular, the suggestion of a boycott has created a divide amongst fans of TWICE.

Some fans staunchly believe that the boycott is a necessary step, stating that no artist’s sales or streams should take precedence over the serious allegations KG described.

TWICE is managed by JYP Entertainment’s third division, recently renamed STRIDE: the same division VCHA debuted under. While recent reports list VCHA under JYP USA, it is believed that STRIDE may still manage their activities in Korea. As such, many feel that the division deserves to feel the harshest effects of a boycott.

Others have also pointed out TWICE’s own history of mistreatment under Division 3, suffering in similar ways to the VCHA members. Multiple members of TWICE have opened up about extreme dieting in the past, for example. In particular, Momo says she was once told to lose 7kg in a week; after eating nothing but ice cubes, she went to sleep one night afraid that she would die from hunger.

On the flip side, many ONCEs disagree that a boycott is the right approach.

Some fans are arguing that the TWICE members reportedly take home the majority of their earnings following their contract renewal, leaving just 20-30% for JYP Entertainment. As such, they believe that a boycott is more likely to hurt the members than the company itself.

Many, meanwhile, are pointing out that TWICE is the group that would be most impacted by a boycott. This week, they came back with their 14th mini album and title track “Strategy” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, with the album selling 579,898 copies in its first day alone. Some say that K-Pop boycotts tend to be short-lived, which means TWICE’s recent comeback will be disproportionately affected.

Many, meanwhile, believe that JYP Entertainment won’t take note regardless, worrying that boycotting TWICE won’t lead to any meaningful outcome.

Currently, suggestions of a boycott seem to be in their early stages. While many are spreading the movement on social media, it appears there hasn’t yet been an organized effort to stop streaming and buying music from JYP Entertainment groups. In the meantime, the agency is yet to make a statement on KG’s allegations.

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