VCHA Member Kaylee Officially Departs from JYP Entertainment

In a significant development within the K-pop industry, Kaylee, a member of the girl group VCHA, has officially parted ways with JYP Entertainment after a prolonged hiatus. The announcement was made on July 11, 2025, where both Kaylee and the entertainment agency confirmed their mutual decision to conclude their partnership.

This separation comes after JYP Entertainment previously placed Kaylee on hiatus in March 2024, emphasizing their dedication to prioritizing her health and well-being. "We will continue to place the highest priority on our artist’s health and ask for your support in Kaylee’s full recovery," stated a representative from JYP Entertainment, reflecting a growing trend in the industry that acknowledges artists’ mental and physical health as paramount.

Kaylee took to her personal Instagram account to express her gratitude and share her feelings regarding this transition. In her message, she thanked JYP Entertainment for the opportunities provided during her tenure with the group, stating, "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." She also expressed her appreciation to fans, known as VLIGHTS, for their unwavering support, saying, "Your encouragement has meant the world to me."

The girl group VCHA, formed through the joint project “A2K” (America2Korea) in 2023, has faced several challenges since its inception. Initially slated to perform at the prestigious Lollapalooza festival in 2024, VCHA had to withdraw from the lineup, leading to a period of inactivity for the group. The departure of Kaylee marks a significant shift for VCHA, which had already seen internal turmoil, including a lawsuit filed by another member, KG, seeking to terminate her contract with JYP Entertainment.

Industry experts suggest that this departure may reflect broader trends in the K-pop industry, where the mental health of artists is becoming increasingly prioritized. Dr. Minji Park, a cultural studies scholar at Seoul National University, noted, "As the K-pop industry evolves, it is crucial for agencies like JYP Entertainment to recognize the importance of mental health and the pressures faced by idols. This shift in focus can lead to more sustainable careers for artists."

Kaylee's decision to pursue new creative avenues suggests a growing trend among K-pop artists to carve out individual careers beyond their groups. In her statement, she indicated that she is excited about exploring new artistic paths and has already begun working on new projects, which she looks forward to sharing with her fans.

The departure raises questions about the future of VCHA and its remaining members. As the group navigates these changes, industry analysts predict that they will need to redefine their identity and strategy in the competitive K-pop landscape. This situation underscores the complexities of managing group dynamics and individual aspirations in an industry known for its intense pressures.

As VCHA moves forward without Kaylee, the group will likely face scrutiny regarding their upcoming projects and any potential lineup changes. The evolving nature of the K-pop industry continues to highlight the need for a balance between collective success and individual well-being, particularly in light of recent events that have sparked discussions on mental health and the treatment of artists within the entertainment sector. Moving forward, both Kaylee and VCHA will be looking to their next chapters in an industry that is rapidly changing and evolving.