my timesThe Korea Times
  1. Entertainment
  2. Shows & Dramas

K-pop audition show dropped over minor sexualization fears reemerges in Japan

Listen
By Xportsnews
  • Published KST
  • Updated KST
MBN's 'UNDER15' was originally scheduled to premiere on March 31. Korea Times graphic

MBN's "UNDER15" was originally scheduled to premiere on March 31. Korea Times graphic

"UNDER15," a show that was canceled over concerns of sexualizing minors, will air in Japan under a new title.

A recent video uploaded to the official KBS Japan YouTube channel, titled "KBS World 2025 August recommendations," introduced the program with the caption, "World premiere! A fifth-generation girl group audition for contestants aged 15 or younger!" The new title was revealed as "Star is Born ~ The story of girls chasing their dreams."

The show will feature BIGBANG's Daesung, 2NE1's Sandara Park, KARA's Hur Young-ji, Oh My Girl's Hyojung, Son Dong-pyo, and Baek Gu-young as mentors.

A scene from 'Star is Born' / Captured from KBS Japan's YouTube channel

A scene from "Star is Born" / Captured from KBS Japan's YouTube channel

While the name "UNDER15" was nowhere to be found, the program’s description and a short teaser indicated that it was the same production under a different title.

Originally scheduled to premiere on March 31 on MBN, "UNDER15" was promoted as the world’s first audition program to discover the next generation of K-pop prodigies aged 15 or younger. The production team said it had selected 59 talented girls from more than 70 countries regardless of race, nationality, or genre, showcasing their looks, performance skills, and vocal abilities.

However, after contestants’ profiles and teasers were released, critics raised concerns about the potential sexualization of minors. MBN responded by saying it would "review the program’s details and broadcasting decision in its entirety."

On March 28, just three days before the planned premiere, production company Crea Studio announced, "We decided that protecting the contestants and reorganizing is the best course of action. MBN will not broadcast the show. We will ensure the essence of the program and the sincerity of the contestants are not damaged," without clarifying whether the program would be canceled entirely.

Now, about five months after the suspension of its premiere, the show’s broadcast on KBS Japan has been confirmed, drawing renewed attention.

The eight-episode series "Star is Born" will premiere on Aug. 11 at 4:50 p.m. and air every Monday and Tuesday at the same time.

This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.