With the growing K-pop craze, the average age of aspiring idols seems to be dropping at an alarming rate. The latest controversy surrounds Under Fifteen, a K-pop survival show led by PD Seo Hye Jin under Crea Studio. According to The Korea Herald, the show, set to premiere on March 31, aims to form a new girl group with members under 15. Featuring 59 contestants, the reality show is now facing major backlash for including children as young as eight, five, and even three.
When the show was first announced, people were already skeptical, but most assumed the contestants would be between 13 and 15 years old. However, according to producer Lee Kook Yon, some contestants are as young as five. Defending this, he stated, “Some participants are as young as five years old. Our audition process is a way to verify real talent. Many kids shine in short 10 to 30-second videos, but we want to find those with true potential.”
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While the idea of such young contestants is already controversial, another issue fueling outrage is how these children have been styled in promotional images, portraying young girls in an “overly mature manner.” The official poster released on March 12, has particularly sparked heated criticism over its styling choices and descriptions compared to product labels, with terms such as “bright and bubbly” and “luxury and unique” used to categorise the contestants. Many viewers and netizens argue that this presentation risks objectifying minors.
While it’s common for K-pop agencies to recruit and train idols from a young age, sometimes as early as six, the promotion of Under Fifteen comes at a time when the Korean entertainment industry is plagued with controversies and concerns over the extreme K-pop diet and the industry’s rigorous demands. Critics worry that placing children in a highly competitive environment could expose them to undue pressure and potential exploitation.
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Experts believe that there need to be stricter guidelines to protect young contestants in reality shows. Some countries, like the UK, have rules preventing producers from directly contacting underage participants. “These days, elementary school graduation ceremonies have become one of the most popular places for casting trainees,” an industry insider told KH. Lee Jong-im, a lecturer at Seoul National University of Science & Technology, raised concerns about a barcode-style design used in the show’s promotional material. Lee pointed out that the show’s promotional video featured young contestants getting makeup and extreme close-ups of their eyes, which could give off a “fetishised look.”
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Under Fifteen describes itself as a talent-hunting K-pop show and the “world’s first audition to discover K-pop prodigies under the age of 15.” According to its description, 59 participants from over 70 countries have been selected. According to Naver, “These young stars will charm audiences with their “hexagonal charm”—a combination of visuals, performance, and vocal talent—creating a new history for K-pop and thrilling fans around the world.”
