Under15's Controversial Premiere on YouTube Amid Cancellation

The K-POP audition program Under15, which faced backlash over allegations of sexualization of minors and child exploitation, has released its first episode on YouTube despite being canceled by MBN. Concerns are rising that the content may become more explicit now that it is available on digital platforms.

On March 22, CREA Studio unveiled the first episode titled 'A K-POP 5th Generation Girl Group Audition Project with Talent Beyond Age!' on their YouTube channel. The 31-minute video does not appear to contain the entire first episode.

The video showcases a stage set up inside the Under15 cheering stick, emphasizing that stars like BoA, IU, Jungkook (정국) of BTS, and Jang Wonyoung (장원영) of IVE achieved their goals before turning 15.

Among the 1,165 applicants from 57 countries, 59 contestants who passed the rigorous preliminary rounds performed their chosen specialties without revealing their ages. The judges, including Daesung, Sandara Park, Heo Youngji, Hyojung, Son Dongpyo, Jang Jinyoung, Baek Kyu-young, and Ready, expressed their support for the participants, stating, 'We will cheer for you.'

This video was released just before CREA Studio held an emergency press conference on March 25, where co-representatives Seo Hye-jin and Hwang In-young, along with PD Yong Seok-in, expressed regret over the controversies. They stated, 'We should have taken more precautions to prevent such issues, and we are disappointed that unexpected allegations have been exaggerated.' They clarified that the intention was to conduct an audition for the Alpha Generation.

They also mentioned that the review team, planning department, and scheduling team had all viewed the first episode two weeks prior and submitted it to the Korea Communications Commission, which found no issues. They urged any dissenters to voice their concerns directly at their company, asserting that MBN bears no responsibility for the situation.

Despite the cancellation of the March 31 broadcast for the protection and reorganization of participants, the video remains available on YouTube, with some participant information still visible. Comments have been disabled, but the description states that all participants confirmed their willingness to participate with guardian consent and that strict recording guidelines were followed to protect minors.

The video has garnered over 100,000 views within eight days, raising concerns among netizens that while Under15's broadcast has been canceled, its release on YouTube or OTT platforms could lead to more explicit content. Under15 is the first global audition program aimed at discovering K-POP prodigies under the age of 15.