The controversial survival show of the MBN girls group Under fifteen yearsWhich had aroused criticism for the sexualization of minors, he officially canceled his first transmission.
On March 28, the production team behind Under fifteen years issued a declaration that said,
“After a profound resolution and discussion, we decided to cancel the scheduled broadcast on March 31. We believe it is better to pause and focus on the protection of the participants and the reorganization of the program.”
They added,
“Therefore, MBN will not be broadcast in the program. We will ensure the essence of the program and the sincerity of the participants are not compromised. Thanks for your interest.”
The announcement comes after cultivating public across the way around surrounding the casting criteria of the show, who have targeted Female competitors aged between 8 and 15 years. Critics have accused the program of promoting the commodification of minors, especially in the light of the recent disputes of “minor grooming” involving Kim Soo Hyun and the late Kim Sae Ron.
Despite the tears of SEO Hye Jin, head of the production company creates study, during a briefing for emergency printing on March 25, the public feeling was unable to change.
MBN also released an official position, confirming the cancellation and affirming,
“We have been informed of the Cree Studio decision to cancel the transmission of March 31st Under fifteen years. Regardless of this cancellation, MBN will maintain a cooperative relationship with the production company that goes on. “
The program has now joined a growing list of entertainment projects revalued in the wake of greater control over the representation and treatment of minors in the Korean entertainment sector.
