Girlset

Lore & Background

Girlset originated from the 2023 reality competition show A2K, a collaboration between JYP Entertainment and Republic Records aimed at creating the first American girl group using the K-pop system. The group debuted as VCHA with six members—Camila, Lexi, Kendall, Savanna, KG, and Kaylee—releasing pre-debut singles 'SeVit (New Light)' and 'Ready for the World' in 2023, followed by the official debut single 'Girls of the Year' in January 2024. In early 2024, they opened for Twice on a leg of the Ready to Be World Tour, performing in select cities. However, in December 2024, KG announced her departure and filed a lawsuit against JYP USA, citing abuse and mistreatment; JYP USA disputed her claims as exaggerated. Kaylee left in July 2025 through a mutual contract termination, and KG's lawsuit remained ongoing as of the latest updates.

The remaining four members rebranded as Girlset in August 2025, with a new logo designed by member Kendall. Since the rebrand, the group has released four singles: 'Commas' (August 2025), 'Little Miss' (November 2025), 'Tweak' (March 2026), and 'Chat' (July 2026). A remix of 'Little Miss' featuring Missy Elliott was released in January 2026. The members described having increased creative control and a larger role in writing sessions after the rebrand.

Reader's Guide

Girlset represents a significant case study in the evolution of K-pop–trained groups in the American market. Originally formed through the A2K competition—a project that sought to apply the K-pop training system to an American girl group—the group faced internal turmoil when two members departed amid allegations of mistreatment and a lawsuit. The rebranding to Girlset in August 2025 marked a shift toward greater creative autonomy for the remaining members, who took on roles in logo design and songwriting. Their post-rebrand singles, including 'Commas' and 'Little Miss' (the latter featuring a remix with Missy Elliott), demonstrate a move toward a more self-directed artistic identity. The group's trajectory highlights the challenges of adapting K-pop industry practices to a Western context and the potential for artist-led reinvention after institutional conflicts. Their legacy is tied to both the promise of the A2K project and the complexities of navigating contractual and personal disputes within the entertainment industry.

Did You Know?

• The group's former name VCHA is derived from the Korean word 비춰 (bichwo), meaning 'to shine upon' or 'to illuminate'.
• Girlset's new official logo was designed by member Kendall.
• The single 'Tweak' samples the SWV song 'Weak'.
• The group originally opened for Twice on the Ready to Be World Tour in 2024, though the specific cities were not all confirmed.