Netizens want to find out what the "most appropriate" debut age is for a K-Pop idol, according to fans' opinions!
The options were divided into two categories: option 1 (debut between ages 15-17) and option 2 (debut by age 19 or above).
Here are some pros to debuting in option 1 (15-17 years old), as well as examples of idols who actually fit in the category:
- An idol should always have a youthful image! Fans love seeing their idols grow up on the screen.
- Debuting early means more chances, and even after success, you can use your young age to an advantage.
- Rising in popularity takes several years on the current market, and in the case of male idols, there's the issue of mandatory service.
SHINee's Taemin, debuted age 16
IZ*ONE's Jang Won Young, debuted age 15
B.A.P's Zelo, debuted age 16
KARA's Jiyoung, debuted age 15
TEEN TOP's Changjo, debuted age 16
And here are some pros to debuting in option 2 (19 years old), as well as examples of idols who fit in the category:
- Debuting at 15-17 years old is too early! When you debut at 19+, you're at least almost a legal adult.
- Debuting too early can affect an idol's mental and physical development.
- Children should spend their childhood going to school and spending time with their peers normally
EXO's Sehun, debuted age 19
Wanna One's Park Ji Hoon, debuted age 19
Red Velvet's Joy, debuted age 19
Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, debuted age 19
2PM's Chansung, debuted age 19
Netizens who sided with option 1 commented, "Late middle school early high school is just perfectly sweet!", "Option 1, because there's no guarantee that you can become successful early on", "It's impossible to tell the outcome, but as a Shawol I love that Taem debuted at the age he did ^^", "Number 1, especially if they're the maknae of the group! Too cute!", "If you start training and debut way early, you won't have past controversies to worry about", etc.
On the other hand, netizens who sided with option 2 said, "Option 2 because debuting earlier than that is too much societal pressure on a child who can't handle it...", "Definitely option 2, I mean 19 is still very young...", "If you think about yourself as a fan, you may want to choose 1, but if you think about the idol, 2 is the more morally just option", "Some idols who debut too young look way too old by their mid twenties", and such.
Some simply added, "It's a case-by-case situation", "No matter what age you debut, the people who are meant to be successful will become successful", "All people live at their own paces, age doesn't determine anything", "How about 21", "The opinions are really varied...", and more.
Which do you prefer?
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Definitely 18+ should be debut age. If child labor is illegal, isn't being a performer at 15 also child labor? At least let them get a high school education first.