[Profile] VCHA: The First American K-Pop Girl Group (+Member KG Alleges Abuse)
Introduction
Formed on September 22, 2023, through the JYP Entertainment and Republic Records collaboration survival show A2K (America 2 Korea), VCHA is a six-member, multinational girl group debuting on January 26, 2024, with their first single album, Girls of the Year. Positioned as an “American-Based Global K-Pop Group,” VCHA blends the signature K-Pop training system with Western pop culture, offering a unique fusion of styles. Their name, derived from the Korean word “비춰” (to shine or illuminate), symbolizes their mission to “shine a light” on their fans and the world.
VCHA stands as JYP Entertainment’s first U.S.-focused K-Pop group, featuring a diverse lineup of members from different ethnic backgrounds, including Asian, Black, White, Hispanic, and mixed heritage. They aim to redefine the K-Pop landscape with a global touch.
Members
VCHA is composed of six talented individuals:
1. Lexi (Leader)
• Born: November 22, 2005 (19 years old)
• Charismatic leader and versatile performer.
Advertisement• Signature number: 22 (her birthdate).
2. Camila
• Born: August 10, 2005 (19 years old)
• Known for her vibrant energy and multilingual abilities (English, Spanish, and French).
Advertisement• Signature number: 8 (her grandmother’s favorite number).
3. Kendall
• Born: June 1, 2006 (18 years old)
• Loved for her warm stage presence and deep voice.
• Signature number: 4 (a personal favorite).
4. Savanna
• Born: July 26, 2006 (18 years old)
• Displays exceptional vocal and dance skills.
• Signature number: 18 (the date of her A2K audition in New York).
5. KG
• Born: June 17, 2007 (17 years old)
• Notable for her confident rap skills and commanding stage charisma.
• Signature number: 12 (her childhood basketball jersey number).
6. Kaylee
• Born: November 24, 2009 (15 years old)
• The youngest member, adored for her pure vocals and bright personality.
• Signature number: 24 (her birthdate).
Formation and Training
VCHA’s journey began on A2K, a survival show where contestants were scouted in the U.S. and underwent rigorous K-Pop-style training at JYP’s headquarters in Korea. This intensive process included vocal, dance, and language training, resulting in a polished group ready for the global stage.
Producer J.Y. Park described the K-Pop training process as akin to “Olympic-level preparation,” emphasizing the discipline and dedication required. Despite being an American-based group, VCHA’s DNA remains rooted in K-Pop, making them a groundbreaking act.
Music and Style
• Genres: Pop, K-Pop, R&B
• Debut Singles:
• SeVit (NEW LIGHT): Pre-debut single released on September 22, 2023, with the title track Y.O.Universe.
• Girls of the Year: Debut album released on January 26, 2024, featuring the title track of the same name.
• Latest Release: Only One (Single, March 15, 2024).
Their music blends Korean production values with Western influences, resulting in universally relatable tracks.
Challenges and Controversy
Following the release of their second single album in March, there has been no significant news about VCHA. Since June, they have not uploaded any shorts or personal posts, and their official accounts have only posted birthday messages for members. This inactivity has led fans to speculate about the group’s status, with some suggesting that the team might be reorganized as a five-member group due to Kaylee’s potential absence.
While VCHA experienced a promising debut, recent events have stirred concern among fans. Member KG filed a lawsuit against the company in May 2024, alleging mistreatment and citing mental health challenges within the group. Her statement referenced industry-wide issues, including an alleged suicide attempt by an unnamed member, sparking speculation and worry, particularly about Kaylee, who had been on hiatus.
Despite these challenges, VCHA’s fanbase, VLIGHTS, remains fiercely loyal, offering unwavering support to the group as they navigate these difficulties.
Facts
• All the members are native English speakers from North America. Among them, Kaylee speaks Korean, Savannah speaks Spanish, and Camila speaks both French and Spanish. All members have had basic Korean language training.
• During their active periods, the members are expected to live in the United States, while during their off-seasons, they will reside in South Korea for training and album production. Prior to their debut, all members lived in Korea for about nine months, staying in hotels as their accommodations.
• Before participating in the A2K auditions, none of the members had lived in Korea, trained as K-pop trainees, or spoken Korean. As North American natives working in the U.S., concerns were raised about how they would navigate cultural differences, such as rigorous K-pop training, strict schedules, shared dorms, bans on public dating, intense dieting, maintaining a proper public image, and critical views of K-pop idol culture in Western media. A JYP representative stated that VCHA follows California’s entertainment laws for training and will continue to adhere to those guidelines.
• On September 22, 2023, just three hours after the final episode of A2K, the pre-debut title track “Y.O.Universe” was released, followed by VCHA’s debut performance on Music Bank five hours later. The next day, they appeared on Show! Music Core. Fans were surprised by this active promotional approach compared to JYP’s Japanese girl group NiziU, which initially focused on domestic activities. The reception was positive internationally, with the music video topping YouTube’s Worldwide Music Video Hot Trending list within a day and achieving high rankings on various U.S. trending charts.
• VCHA’s group chant was created by Kendall. It involves making a “V” with both hands and crossing them downward to symbolize “spreading light,” reflecting the meaning of the group’s name.
• Since A2K aired at 10 AM KST, many viewers, such as students and workers, could not watch it live. However, the thumbnail for VCHA’s “Y.O.Universe” music video appeared on YouTube’s recommendation page on the final day of A2K, revealing the final lineup of six members and unintentionally spoiling the episode for some viewers.
• VCHA debuted on stage as the opening act for TWICE’s READY TO BE world tour. After their first performance in Mexico, they shared their thoughts on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
