The MBN new girl group audition 'Under 15' is pressing ahead with the program production despite controversies surrounding the sexual commercialization of children.

The 'Under 15' team stated on the 22nd, "All participants are precious talents who have applied for the program with their own intention and the consent of their guardians, and the production team has strictly adhered to recording compliance to protect the minor grants during filming. The production team has actively discussed with the participants' guardians to determine costumes and styling, ensuring that practice time does not exceed a maximum of 35 hours during recording weeks, and the guardians and production staff conducted pick-ups at the practice room and provided ongoing care."

Furthermore, they emphasized, "At a time when various controversies have emerged before the first broadcast has been revealed, it is a very upsetting and regrettable situation where the young participants and their guardians of 'Under 15' are experiencing extreme shock and trauma. As 'Under 15' is a program that supports and works with the dreams of the participants, the production team sincerely hopes that the sweat and efforts poured into this for as long as six months will not be in vain, and we will put in more meticulous effort in production to avoid further controversies."

'Under 15' is an audition for discovering K-POP prodigies under the age of 15, scheduled to air for the first time on the 31st. It aims to cultivate a girl group with talent and skills, targeting 59 girls under 15 from over 70 countries worldwide. It has been reported that Kim Seol, who played the role of Jin-joo, the youngest daughter of Sun-young and sister of Sun-woo (played by Go Kyung-pyo) in the tvN series 'Reply 1988,' will participate, drawing attention.

However, after the teaser and preview were released, concerns have poured in about whether this may lead to the sexual objectification of children.

On the 21st, MBN issued an official statement, saying, "MBN takes the concerns raised by various sectors of our society regarding the new program 'Under 15' seriously," adding, "In relation to this, MBN will thoroughly review not only the details of the program but also whether or not it will be aired, and will soon clarify the stance of the headquarters."

However, reports indicate that the production team is moving forward by releasing teasers, suggesting that controversies will continue.

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