The K-pop industry has long seen idols debuting at a young age, often while they're still minors, though there isn't a strict age rule that all agencies follow. Most 4th-generation idols start their careers in their teens, and it's likely that the next generation will debut even younger. However, a new girl group audition show has sparked controversy by revealing that only candidates below the age of 15 will be eligible to participate.
The show, titled Under15, came under fire after posters and teasers were released featuring young girls wearing heavy makeup and crop tops. Many critics accused the show of sexualising minors, with the backlash gaining traction both domestically and internationally.
The timing of the announcement also fuelled the controversy, as it coincided with ongoing discussions in South Korea surrounding Kim Soo Hyun, who is facing accusations related to dating Kim Sae Ron when she was still a minor.
Amid the ongoing controversy, the show has been facing boycott calls, resulting in difficulties related to its broadcast schedule. On Tuesday, the production team held a press briefing to address concerns and urge the network MBN to proceed with the scheduled broadcast.
"We sincerely apologise and deeply regret causing concern through various controversies and allegations. We have been caught up in unforeseen controversies, and misunderstandings have grown to be seen as facts, escalating the situation further," Hwang In Young, co-CEO of the show's production company Crea Studo, said during the press briefing at Stanford Hotel Seoul in Mapo District.
"Not only Crea Studio, but also many participants, performers, trainers and crew members involved in this project are experiencing damage to their reputation."
A teaser for a show sparked controversy due to its depiction of young contestants, ranging from 8 to 15 years old, wearing makeup and outfits considered inappropriate for their age. The prominent display of their ages alongside their names added to the concerns. Furthermore, the use of barcode designs in their profile images was widely criticised for implying the sexual commodification of children. In response to the backlash, the teaser and offending promotional images were removed from the show's official social media channels.
Seo Hye Jin, co-CEO of Crea Studio, addressed the controversy surrounding the barcode visuals, stating they were never intended to objectify participants. Instead, the designer, a woman in her 30s, envisioned a "student ID concept" for the audition show, likening the setting to a school where contestants receive training from instructors.
Seo shared KakaoTalk messages with the designer, showcasing a typical student ID card image. She explained that modern student IDs often feature barcodes and birthdates, but they omitted birthdates and only included ages. This concept, she claimed, was misinterpreted, leading to the controversy.
Hwang referenced her past experience directing "K-pop Star" in the early 2010s, where teenage contestants unexpectedly dominated the top prizes, surprising the older generation. This experience informed her perspective on the age limit for the new program.
"There were instances where young trainees were left behind due to institutional barriers simply because of their young age, so we wanted to open up an unexplored field through the audition format," Hwang explained.
Producer Yong Suk In underscored the emotional investment of the young contestants, highlighting their unwavering dedication to the show. Despite the controversy, they continue to practise diligently, eagerly anticipating the broadcast.
"The children aren't even considering the possibility of the broadcast being cancelled. They are still practising hard and doing their best. They are very much looking forward to the broadcast. That's their sincere feeling. As the production team, we are saddened by the great pain caused by the distortion," Yong said.
"Cancelling the broadcast would be devastating. The pain felt by these young contestants and their families would be beyond imagination. We are doing our best to showcase their sincere efforts and hard work to the world in its entirety."
The programme aimed to embark on a global search to discover K-pop prodigies under the age of 15. It featured a lineup of 59 talented young girls selected from an impressive pool of applicants spanning over 70 countries. It has been scheduled to premiere on March 31, 2025.
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