Broadcaster to review airing of 'Under15' after controversy erupts over depiction of minors
MBN's K-pop audition program heavily criticized, particularly over styling and makeup choices for minors
Maeil Broadcasting Network announced it would be reviewing the broadcast of "Under15," a K-pop idol audition program recently criticized for allegedly portraying minors in a sexualized manner.
"Under15" features 59 participants from over 70 countries, born between 2009 and 2016.
The show, featuring K-pop stars such as Daesung of Big Bang, Sandara Park of 2NE1 and Hyo-jung of Oh My Girl as judges, aims to showcase the candidates' journey as they vie to debut as K-pop singers.
Controversy arose after the show's teaser photos and trailers depicted minors in a reportedly sexualized manner, with underage participants wearing cropped tank tops and receiving adult-style makeup. Korean netizens heavily criticized the preview photos, raising concerns about their appropriateness.
Numerous organizations have also condemned the show, with the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union issuing a statement Friday demanding the withdrawal of the broadcast.
The KTU criticized the show's concept, arguing the show "numbs the sense of guilt about scrutinizing, making children compete and evaluating young girls' appearances and abilities one by one."
Civic group Democratic Media Citizens' Coalition also released a statement Thursday, protesting the program for "treating (minors) as tools for commercial profit." The group labeled the public competition and excessive physical and mental demands placed on young participants as "clear child abuse."
After MBN announced it would review the broadcast, the show's production team released a statement Thursday saying, "The participants' desire to participate was checked and they applied with the consent of their parents. Throughout the filming process, the production team strictly adhered to guidelines to protect minors."
Regarding the controversial costumes and styling choices, the team stated, "Decisions were made through active discussions with the participants' guardians," and added, "Practice hours during recording weeks were capped at 35 hours, with both guardians and production staff providing transportation and constant supervision in the practice rooms."
The team further clarified that "to ensure the right to education during weekday recordings, unreasonable schedules were avoided and filming was adjusted in compliance with legal regulations."
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