Concerns rise over minors in audition shows after 'UNDER15' controversy
MBN's "UNDER15" was originally scheduled to premiere on March 31. Captured from MBN
The controversy surrounding MBN’s unreleased audition program “UNDER15” has reignited debate over the participation of minors in entertainment auditions, raising questions about how young performers should be represented and protected on screen.
“UNDER15,” produced by CreaStudio, was designed as a global audition program to form a new girl group featuring vocal prodigies under the age of 15. Producer Lee Guk-yong said in a past interview that the show received a strong response from prospective cast members, even attracting applicants as young as 5 years old.
However, the program faced a major backlash after promotional images showing young contestants wearing heavy makeup and sheer outfits sparked accusations of child exploitation.
The Citizens’ Coalition for Democratic Media, a civic group, criticized the show, saying it “treats children as tools for commercial profit.” In response, producer Hwang In-young became emotional at an emergency press conference, explaining the intent behind the project.
“These under-15 participants are passionate and full of potential, but systemic barriers often leave them without opportunities,” Hwang said, adding that participants and their parents were frustrated by what they saw as misunderstandings about the program’s intentions.
Despite the production team’s repeated emphasis that the show was unrelated to child exploitation, broadcasters remained reluctant. A planned relaunch under the new title “Star Is Born” on KBS Japan was also canceled, with the network citing “domestic and international concerns” surrounding the issue.
Growing debate on minors in auditions
The “UNDER15” case has sparked a wider discussion about the ethics of minors participating in competitive entertainment programs. Critics question whether it is appropriate for children to perform songs with adult themes or to undergo heavy competition at such a young age.
In 2018, IVE member Jang Won-young rose to fame as a middle school participant in Mnet’s “Produce 48.” While the program helped her showcase her talent, some performances raised concerns. During one episode, she performed Ariana Grande’s “Side to Side,” a song known for its provocative lyrics and choreography, which prompted unease among fans when inappropriate online comments targeted her.
Experts and viewers alike are calling for stricter protections for minors in entertainment auditions, emphasizing the responsibility of producers to shield young participants from inappropriate song selections, revealing outfits and exploitative competition formats.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.