In a significant yet not entirely unexpected development for K-pop fans, especially those who have followed the global girl group VCHA since its inception, member Kaylee has officially parted ways with both VCHA and JYP Entertainment.
The announcement, made on July 11, 2025 (local time), brings an end to her journey with the group that began as part of the high-profile A2K project launched in collaboration between JYP Entertainment and Republic Records.
The decision comes after more than a year of inactivity and hiatus, following JYP’s March 2024 statement that Kaylee would temporarily step away from group activities due to health concerns.
The official statement from JYP America revealed that the decision was mutual, indicating a professional and amicable parting between the two parties. It read,
“JYP America and Kaylee have 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. Thank you.”
The simple tone of the statement reflects a clean break without controversy, but also signals an end to a chapter that held a great deal of promise when VCHA debuted.
Following the announcement, Kaylee shared a heartfelt message to fans on her personal Instagram account, confirming the news and expressing gratitude for the opportunities she had during her time with JYP and VCHA.
“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 wrote.
Her message also extended warm thanks to VCHA’s fanbase, known as VLIGHTS, for their unwavering support and encouragement, which she described as having “meant the world” to her.
More notably, Kaylee’s statement made clear that this departure is not a farewell from music or the entertainment industry entirely.
She teased the beginning of a new creative journey, expressing excitement about working on fresh projects and showing fans “what’s next.”
This signals that while her time with a major entertainment agency may have concluded, her passion for music and artistry remains alive and well.
The tone of her message was optimistic and mature, offering reassurance to fans that this is a new beginning rather than a sad end.
Kaylee’s departure adds to the ongoing challenges surrounding VCHA, a group that once symbolized a bold new era of globalized K-pop.
Formed in 2023 through “A2K” (America2Korea), a televised audition project spearheaded by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records, VCHA was positioned as a multicultural, multilingual girl group meant to bridge the American and Korean music markets.
Their debut in January 2024 was accompanied by strong marketing and media attention, with the group even announced as part of the Lollapalooza 2024 lineup alongside acts like Stray Kids and IVE.
However, the group’s momentum stalled quickly. In July 2024, it was announced that VCHA would no longer perform at Lollapalooza, just weeks before the event.
By December, another member, KG, filed a lawsuit to terminate her exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment, citing undisclosed issues. KG’s legal move also marked her official exit from the group, which further fueled speculation about internal problems and instability.
The group has since been on an indefinite hiatus, with no new music or public appearances in recent months. Kaylee’s exit now marks the second official member departure, casting serious doubt on VCHA’s future as a functional unit.
Though JYP Entertainment has not issued any updated plans for the group or confirmed its disbandment, the combination of high-profile member exits and long-term inactivity suggests that VCHA may not resume activities anytime soon.
The silence from the agency in recent months only adds to the uncertainty, leaving fans with more questions than answers.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the group, Kaylee’s personal journey is far from over. Her mention of working on “new things” and expressing her own “unique artistry” hints at a potential solo career, possibly independent of any major label.
Given her young age and international background, Kaylee remains a promising talent whose story is just beginning to unfold beyond the structured environment of K-pop idol life.
Her message conveyed maturity, poise, and a clear vision for the future — traits that will likely endear her further to fans even after her departure from the group.
In many ways, Kaylee’s exit is emblematic of the evolving dynamics in the K-pop industry, where artists are increasingly vocal about their well-being, creative freedom, and future plans.
While her departure may be a disappointment to many who followed VCHA from the beginning, it also represents the personal and professional growth of a young artist ready to take charge of her own path.
Only time will tell what’s next for Kaylee Lee, but for now, her fans can rest assured that she’s moving forward with purpose, creativity, and gratitude.
