Under Fifteen Faces Backlash Ahead of Premiere

The new MBN entertainment program, Under Fifteen (언더피프틴), aimed at discovering K-pop prodigies under the age of 15, is preparing to confront negative public sentiment head-on. An emergency briefing regarding the show will take place on March 25 at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, featuring key figures such as CEO Seo Hye-jin and producers Yong Seok-in and Lee Guk-yong.

Under Fifteen is designed as an audition show to foster a girl group from a pool of 59 girls aged 15 and under, gathered from over 70 countries worldwide. The program has garnered attention due to Seo Hye-jin's successful track record with previous shows like Miss Trot (미스트롯) and Mr. Trot (미스터트롯), which achieved high ratings and popularity.

However, concerns have arisen regarding the show's focus on minors, as it diverges from Seo's previous work in the trot genre. While the age of trainees in the K-pop industry has been decreasing, the prospect of showcasing girls under 15 on television has sparked discomfort among viewers.

With the premiere set for March 31, the Under Fifteen team has attempted to quell concerns by emphasizing the opportunity for young trainees to debut quickly through a public audition format. Yet, the release of teasers and previews has led to backlash, with viewers questioning whether the show sexualizes children. Critics have pointed out that the young participants, ranging from 8 to 15 years old, are seen in revealing outfits and performing like adult girl group members, leading to accusations of commodifying minors. This criticism has been particularly pronounced among Western K-pop fans, who have labeled the concept as child abuse and expressed horror at the show's premise.

The timing of the show's launch is particularly sensitive, following the recent death of actress Kim Sae-ron and the grooming allegations against actor Kim Soo-hyun, which have heightened societal scrutiny. In response, MBN has acknowledged the widespread concerns and stated that they will thoroughly review the program's content and broadcasting plans before making an official announcement.

On the other hand, Creas Studio has defended Under Fifteen, describing it as a fifth-generation K-pop audition that opens doors for the Alpha generation who aspire to become idols. They argue that as K-pop's global status rises, the age of aspiring idols is naturally decreasing, and the program aims to provide these children with real experiences to grow on stage. They assure that all participants have consented to join the program with parental approval, and strict guidelines have been followed to protect the minors during filming, including discussions about costumes and styling with guardians.

Despite the controversies arising before the show's debut, Creas Studio expressed concern for the young participants and their families, who are experiencing distress due to the backlash. They plan to release a teaser video on their official YouTube channel soon, hoping to showcase the participants' passion and the sincerity of the production team. They urge the public to view the content before forming judgments and promise to take extra care in the production process to avoid further controversy.

With just a week until the scheduled premiere, all eyes will be on the emergency briefing by Creas Studio to address the concerns surrounding Under Fifteen and whether they can present the show effectively.