
Upcoming K-pop survival show ‘Under15' faces familiar backlash for featuring child contestants
The upcoming K-pop audition program 'Under15,' set to premiere on March 31, is under fire for featuring contestants as young as eight, prompting concerns over the sexualization and commodification of minors.
Industry insiders say the controversy underscores a longstanding issue in the entertainment scene, highlighting the urgent need for improved public perception and the adoption of clearer guidelines on casting children and adolescents in nationally broadcast reality shows.
The survival show, which aims to form a new girl group with an average debut age of under 15, introduced 59 female participants in promotional materials released earlier this month. The contestants, all girls younger than 16, appeared wearing heavy makeup and styled in mature clothing, leading to a public outcry on social media over the portrayal of girls in a context some interpreted as inappropriate and exploitative.
Recruiting child idol hopefuls is nothing new in the K-pop industry. According to a local entertainment company official, most agencies set the upper age limit for new trainees at 15.
'Nowadays, future K-pop stars begin training as early as age six. The oldest we usually accept as trainees is 15, unless the candidate is exceptionally talented — whether in singing, dancing or even just having standout visuals,' the official said. 'These days, elementary school graduation ceremonies have become one of the most popular places for casting trainees.'
A poster released on March 12 drew particular criticism for using product label-like graphics to describe the girls with phrases such as 'bright and bubbly' and 'luxury and unique.' Critics accused the show's producers of treating children as marketable products, reinforcing harmful beauty standards and objectification at an early age.
Lee Jong-im, a lecturer at Seoul National University of Science & Technology's Graduate School of Public Policy and Information Technology, criticized the imagery and its implications.
'The barcode-style graphic was a major problem. The production team said it was meant to resemble a student ID, but that explanation doesn't make sense,' Lee said. 'The video shows the girls receiving makeup, and the close-up shots of their eyes could evoke a feeling of fetishization. It reflects a lack of thoughtful consideration during the promotion process.'
Lee also pointed out the absence of proper safeguards when casting participants of such a young age, adding that producers seemed to emphasize youth over artistic direction or care.
'There appears to have been no serious deliberation about how to shape the show's creative direction. When it comes to participants under the age of 15, there should be better protection measures,' she said.
Citing international standards, Lee noted that the BBC, for example, prohibits its producers from following underage participants on social media and only allows contact through parents. 'Such guidelines are necessary to protect children from unnecessary exposure and inappropriate relationships with producers,' she added.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Korea Herald
5 hours ago
- Korea Herald
BTS' Jimin, Jungkook released from military service
Jimin and Jungkook, members of the K-pop megagroup BTS, were discharged from the South Korean military Wednesday after completing their 18-month mandatory service, as fans eagerly awaited their return. The two stars, dressed in military uniforms, saluted a cheering crowd at a public sports facility near their former unit in Yeoncheon, about 60 kilometers north of Seoul, during a brief ceremony. Hundreds of fans and journalists gathered at the site, with fans erupting in applause and cheers as the duo arrived. Jimin and Jungkook greeted the crowd with bright smiles, holding bouquets presented by their agency officials. "It's been quite a long time since COVID-19 and then the military, so thank you so much for waiting for us," Jimin said. "I think we can continue to draw the picture we've been envisioning, and we'll prepare and show you an even better side of ourselves." He added: "It was my first time in the military, and honestly, it wasn't an easy place. If you see soldiers passing by, I'd be very grateful if you could even just say a warm word to them." Jungkook, appearing slightly flustered, said, "It's been a while since I've been in front of a camera, and I'm a bit embarrassed because I didn't even put on makeup, so I don't know what to say." He went on to thank the fellow soldiers who served alongside them. The two promised to share more stories during a live broadcast on Weverse before getting into a black minivan and departing. Jimin and Jungkook enlisted together as active-duty soldiers in December 2023 and served in the Army's 5th Infantry Division Artillery Brigade in Yeoncheon. Their discharge follows that of Jin and J-Hope, who completed their service in June and October of last year, respectively, as well as RM and V, who were discharged Tuesday. The seven-member group is expected to reunite after Suga, who is currently serving as a social service agent due to health issues, completes his duty June 21. (Yonhap)


Korea Herald
14 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Former Riize member Seunghan to debut solo in July under new identity 'XngHan'
Some international fans still call for the K-pop singer's return, blaming SM Entertainment for his departure XngHan, formerly Seunghan of SM Entertainment's boy group Riize, is set to return to the spotlight with his solo debut in late July — nearly nine months after stepping away from the group amid personal controversies. According to SM Entertainment on Thursday, the singer will now promote under the stage name 'XngHan,' a stylized form of his Korean name pronounced the same but spelled with an 'X' to signify 'infinite potential and crossover.' The agency said the new name reflects his ambition to defy fixed stereotypes and limitations as an artist. 'This new journey begins in July, and XngHan aims to craft boundary-pushing performances and experiences with creatives who align with his evolving vision,' SM Entertainment said in a statement. XngHan debuted as a member of Riize in September 2023, but halted all activities just two months later amid growing backlash over his private life. Controversy first emerged in August that year, before the group's debut, when several private photos were leaked online, including one of him lying in bed with a woman and another showing him smoking in public in Japan. He also faced criticism after a leaked Instagram Live conversation with Big Hit Music's boy group TXT's Soobin included comments referencing a female idol. Riize has since continued as a six-member act, releasing hits such as 'Love 119' and 'Boom Boom Bass.' SM Entertainment initially announced his return to Riize in October but reversed the decision just two days later following a surge of negative reactions from Korean fans. His departure from the group was confirmed later that month, leaving his status uncertain for nearly a year. In a handwritten letter shared at the time, Seunghan apologized to fans and his former bandmates, writing, 'I don't want to cause them any more harm. I truly love Riize and sincerely hope they continue to be loved.' Despite the controversy, some international Riize fans have continued to support him. In an email sent to The Korea Herald last month, they wrote, 'Though he committed no wrongdoing, SM failed to defend him publicly or ensure his safety.'


Korea Herald
16 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Frieze House Seoul to open in September inviting galleries
Korean artist Im Young-joo wins 2025 Frieze Seoul Artist Award Coinciding with the fourth edition of Frieze Seoul in September, the international art fair will launch Frieze House Seoul, inviting leading galleries to hold exhibitions and events there during the four-day event. The exhibition space will be located in Yaksu-dong, a neighborhood in Jung-gu, central Seoul, at a building renovated by Seoul-based architectural studio Samuso Hyoja. Frieze House Seoul follows the success of No. 9 Cork Street in London, according to Frieze on Wednesday. 'Frieze House Seoul marks a natural and exciting evolution of our presence in Korea. Seoul has become a focal point for the global art world, and this new space will allow us to foster deeper engagement with the city's vibrant art communities throughout the year,' said Kristell Chade, executive director of fairs at Frieze. The space will consist of two main exhibition spaces across four floors, offering over 210 square meters of display space, and a landscaped garden. Galleries can apply for the inaugural season of Frieze House Seoul on the Frieze website. Frieze Seoul 2025 will be held from Sept. 3 to 6, bringing together some 120 galleries from 30 countries at COEX in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul. Meanwhile, Frieze announced Korean artist Im Young-joo as the recipient of the Frieze Seoul Artist Award of the year. This year, works for the Frieze Artist Award in both Seoul and London respond to the theme of "Future Commons," with new multimedia works that explore ideas of community and shared experience. 'Her work, 'Calming Signal,' offers a profound exploration of collective behavior and societal rhythms, resonating deeply with our 2025 theme, 'Future Commons.' Im's innovative approach and compelling narrative exemplify the dynamic talent emerging from Korea's contemporary art scene,' said Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul. Im's winning commission, "Calming Signal," is a research-based, three-channel video installation set within a grid-like structure, which juxtaposes Earth's tilted axis with rotational cultural dances, linking gestures of imbalance to visual manifestations of an uncertain future.