'Under Fifteen' production team noted regarding the broadcast schedule, "It is scheduled for coordination."
On the afternoon of the 25th, an emergency production briefing for MBN's new entertainment program 'Under Fifteen' was held at the Grand Ballroom of Stanford Hotel in Sangam, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The briefing was attended by Seo Hye-jin, the representative of CREA Studio, co-representative Hwang In-young, and PD Yong Seok-in, who revealed some actual footage of 'Under Fifteen' and engaged in a Q&A session to address curiosities regarding the program. PD Lee Guk-yong, who was supposed to attend, did not show up due to health reasons.
'Under Fifteen' is a K-POP prodigy discovery project for those under 15 years old. It is a survival audition program that fosters a 5th generation girl group equipped with skills and talent that surpass age.
Originally, 'Under Fifteen' was scheduled to premiere at 9:10 p.m. on the 31st, but following controversies over the sexual commercialization of minors, MBN expressed a position of "comprehensive review." On the other hand, the production team issued an official statement, expressing, "All participants in 'Under Fifteen' are precious talents who applied to the program with the consent of their guardians after confirming their intent to participate. The production team has rigorously adhered to recording guidelines to protect the minor participants during filming," and added, "As this program supports and cherishes the participants' dreams, we sincerely hope that the hard work and sweat poured in for more than six months will not be in vain, and we will make more meticulous efforts in production to prevent any potential controversies."
When asked about any discrepancies with the broadcasting company's position, Seo Hye-jin explained, "We worked with MBN on 'Burning Trotman,' 'King of Singers,' and 'Under Fifteen.' All production costs are being covered by CREA, so MBN does not receive production costs. MBN is in the position of a platform. There is no disagreement between us and MBN. We discussed it, and while MBN also serves as a platform, they expressed a sense of responsibility, hence the decision for a review."
He clarified, "In fact, two weeks ago, the programming team and the review team had already viewed the first episode, and we submitted the complete version to the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) and its review board. Since they found no internal issues during their review, we stated that we released this edited version on YouTube to dispel concerns. If others wish to protest, they can come to our company. MBN has no responsibility regarding this matter."
Regarding the broadcast schedule, he stated, "Rather than saying we will push ahead or not, we are editing the broadcast footage with a combination of everyone's opinions. As mentioned, we are editing all the footage so that it can be shown to the review, programming, and planning teams at MBN before we coordinate the broadcast date."
He added, "We are not progressing by saying, 'It has to be on the 31st.' We have prepared this meeting to show you and seek your understanding, and we will decide and communicate how we will air it after we screen the edited version, summarize the content, and ensure there are no negative impacts on the children while also avoiding any discomfort for you."
In particular, Seo Hye-jin emphasized, "When we do this, I'd like to ask you sincerely, I want to bow my head and make this plea. Our intention was not in that meaning. Please help us well."
[Photo] CREA Studio
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