Netizens are appalled and outraged by MBN's new K-Pop audition program, 'Under 15'.
As the program's name suggests, 'Under 15' is an audition program geared toward female contestants under the age of 15. Aspiring young girls between the ages of 8~15 of various nationalities will showcase their talents and compete for a chance to debut as the next K-Pop superstars representing 'Gen Alpha'.
Earlier this week, 'Under 15' began introducing its 59 contestants vi SNS, including their names, age, nationality, and position. Child actress Kim Seol, born in 2011 and known for her role as Jinju in the drama 'Reply 1988', was among the contestants.
The production studio of 'Under 15' commented, "These young girls are so strong-willed and firm in their conviction that they will completely shatter the prejudices and concerns of adults who say that they are too young to debut."
Below are some of the youngest contestants of 'Under 15', including several of the youngest contestants, born in 2016 whose birthdays have yet to pass.
The concerns and criticism toward the show began with global netizens, on SNS platforms, who noted,
Many K-netizens acknowledged the concerns of global netizens, commenting,
"This show is literally marketing itself as a child abuse program."
"Please cancel this."
"This is a disgrace to the K-Pop industry."
"Not just the elementary schoolers but even the middle schoolers... They should all be in school."
"I agree that this show is so messed up but what I really don't understand is what kind of parents allow their kids to go on these kinds of shows???"
"Dressing up children in clothes emphasizing their sex appeal..? Someone please report this program immediately.."
"I'm disgusted."
"Something about the way their birth years are listed is totally creeping me out."
"Please get those kids out of there TT."
"No, international fans, unfortunately you're not wrong. South Korea tolerates pedophilia."
"The PD who thought of this and the parents of all those kids... they all need to be thrown in jail for child abuse."
The profiles of all 59 contestants can be found on the show's official Instagram, below.
Meanwhile, MBN's 'Under 15' is scheduled to premiere on March 31 at 9:10 PM KST.
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