In preview on March 31, MBN’s “Under15” is the first K-Pop generational audition show in the world exclusively for prodigies of age equal to or less than 15 years. The program is produced by the CEO of Create SEO HYE-JIN STUDIO, the mind behind the “Miss Trot” and “Mr. Series Trot”, as well as “Burning Trotman” and “King of Singers”.
Recently, the official account of “Under15” revealed the profiles of its 59 competitors.
These profiles included the names, ages, nationalities and positions of the participants. The controversy derives from the fact that the youngest competitor was born in 2016, making them only 8 years old. According to the official account of “Under15”, five competitors born in 2016 are listed among the 59 participants.
On March 13, a fan of K-pop on X (previously Twitter) raised concern “He was born literally yesterday“, Which has obtained support from over 17,000 international netizen.
Many replied quoting the post, leaving comments like “This is crazy“,”Is Korea already facing an important scandal about pedophilia, yet they are doing something similar here?“,”This is a horrible sector“,”Korea never fails to frighten me” AND “What’s wrong with this country?“
Starting from March 13, the original post that criticizes the show has accumulated over 4.7 million views.
The official account of Under15 “was also invaded by critical comments by international fans, including”This is an abuse of minors“,”Multi-exhibition? His position should be at school” AND “Stop immediately. “
Many have also set connections to the recent grooming accusations involving the actor Kim Soo-Hyun.
Previously, the mourning family of the deceased Kim Sae-Ron claimed through Garosero Research Institute on March 10 that the actress had a relationship with Kim Soo-Hyun from the age of 15 until he was 21 years old, who lasts six years (2015 ~ 2021).
Subsequently, Kim Sa-Se-Se-So-So-Hyun’s text messages were disclosed the photos of Kim Soo-Hyun who kissed her cheek and the letter he sent them during his military service were disclosed, triggering further controversies.
Initially, the gold medal of the Kim Soo-Hyun agency denied the accusations, calling them “clearly false”. However, as more accusations have emerged, since then they have remained silent, fueling further criticisms that, if demonstrated true, the relationship was the cure.
In the meantime, on March 11, Crea Studio has issued an official press statement by defending “Under15”, stating, “The intense debut battle of the new Alfa generation has begun. We invite spectators to attend the raw and energetic performance of these new faces that will guide the future of K-pop. These competitors have such a strong will and a conviction for their dreams that will completely destroy any concern or prejudices of adults who think they are too young to start a career of idol. “
