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.
In August, 2025, VCHA went viral after fans noticed the group was removed from JYP’s artist list and all social media accounts were deleted. Soon after, members opened personal accounts, sparking speculation.
Reactions were mixed due to past controversies, but the group has now rebranded as GIRLSET, launching new social media and releasing an official teaser film.
Members
VCHA is composed of six talented individuals:
1. Lexi (Leader)
• Born: November 22, 2005 (19 years old)
• Charismatic leader and versatile performer.
• 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).
• 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).
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).
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.
Career
VCHA’s career was brief but eventful. The group’s journey began with the release of their pre-debut single “SeVit (New Light)” in September 2023, which featured the track “Y.O.Universe.”
The group’s official debut came on January 26, 2024, with the single album “Girls of the Year.” The group’s initial promotions included touring with TWICE on their “Ready to Be” tour and releasing a second single album, “Only One,” in March 2024.
However, VCHA’s activities were reportedly suspended in late 2024. As of August 2025, the group has undergone a major transformation. All official VCHA social media content has been deleted, and the group has been removed from JYP Entertainment’s artist page.
On August 7, 2025, JYP Entertainment announced that the remaining four members (Camila, Lexi, Kendall, and Savanna) would be rebranding under the new name Girlset. The name “Girlset” is intended to signify that the group will “set its own path without any restrictions.”
Challenges and Controversy
KG’s Departure and Lawsuit
In December 2024, KG terminated her contract with JYP Entertainment, citing “abuse and mistreatment by certain staff members.” She filed a lawsuit against JYP USA, alleging high-intensity work, extreme restrictions on her personal life, and little salary, which led to her being in debt.
She also made alarming claims about an alleged suicide attempt by a member and an environment that encouraged eating disorders. JYP USA denied the claims, calling them “false and exaggerated.”
Kaylee’s Departure
In July 2025, Kaylee announced her departure from the group, stating that her journey with VCHA had come to an end. This followed a period of indefinite hiatus due to a reported health condition.