The new audition program MBN 'Under15' has become embroiled in controversy before its airing, drawing criticism from K-pop fans both domestically and internationally.
Scheduled to premiere on the 31st, MBN 'Under15' is a generational change audition aimed at discovering K-pop prodigies under the age of 15, making it the first of its kind globally. Among girls under 15 from over 70 countries worldwide, 59 prodigies selected regardless of race, nationality, or genre will participate.
Led by CEO Seo Hye-jin, who spearheaded the 'K-Trot craze' with programs like 'Miss Trot' and 'Mr. Trot', the new audition program 'Under15' has faced intense criticism after the profiles of 59 participants and teaser videos featuring some of the participants were released.
The released video features young participants aged 8 to 15 wearing adult-like heavy makeup and outfits while dancing. The youngest participant is born in 2016, prompting negative reactions from K-pop fans domestically and internationally, who questioned whether it is appropriate to conduct a girl group audition program with such young participants.
In particular, K-pop fans in Western countries, sensitive to child issues, have noted, "It is absurd to have such young children appear on an audition program," "Why doesn’t K-pop exercise caution?" "This is child abuse," and "The mere fact that such a program was planned is horrifying," leading to sharper criticism.
Additionally, the profile teaser video released on the 13th shows children singing in white shirts, which then cuts to them posing in revealing outfits with heavy makeup, resulting in heightened criticism from netizens.
Amid escalating concerns about grooming crimes targeting minors, there has been ongoing debate among netizens regarding the airing of such a program.
Given the nature of girl group auditions, it can be perceived as provocative, and negative comments are inevitable. Placing young girls, whose values and identities are not yet fully established, in such a stressful audition situation is clearly a cause for concern.
As the debut age of idol members continues to decrease, there is an increasing number of aspiring idols who start their trainee life at a young age. However, exposing them on broadcasts without special methods to protect them remains a significant issue.
Crea Studio stated, "A fierce debut war for the new Alpha generation begins. Expect an energetic 'raw stage' showcasing new faces who will lead the future of K-pop," and added, "You will witness the determination and firm beliefs of today’s generation, breaking the concerns and biases of adults that they are too young to start as idols."
[Photo] Crea Studio
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