A new K-pop survival show, Under15, is set to debut on March 31, 2025, and has already ignited a firestorm of controversy. Said as the first-ever K-pop audition program exclusively for girls under 15, the show has drawn sharp criticism from international fans and Korean netizens. The idea of debuting a girl group with members as young as 8 years old has raised ethical concerns, with many accusing the industry of child exploitation.
The Under15 Audition Sparks Heated Debate – What Is It?
Under15 is a global K-pop audition program produced by veteran TV producer Seo Hye-jin, known for her previous successful audition programs. After her successful productions of TV Chosun’s “Mr. Trot” and “Miss Trot,” along with MBN’s “The King of Singers” and “Korean-Japanese Singers Competition,” PD Seo Hye-jin is embarking on a new venture—a global girl group audition program.
The new show claims to be a “generation shift” in the industry, selecting young prodigies from over 70 countries to form the youngest-ever multinational girl group. The final lineup will consist of exceptionally talented children, some still in elementary school, who will undergo rigorous idol training and competition.
“We have completed the domestic auditions and are preparing for the second round in Southeast Asia. Starting in Thailand, we plan to visit Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The program’s outline will be revealed by the end of August after completing all the locations.”
Producer Seo Hye-jin
The teaser for Under15 recently went viral. It shows performances from contestants between the ages of 8 and 15. While the show presents these young participants as talented and ambitious, the reaction from the public has been anything but enthusiastic.
Why Netizens Are Outraged
The concept of debuting pre-teen idols has raised overwhelming criticism. Under15 instantly creates controversy among K-pop enthusiasts. Here’s why:
Ethical Concerns About Child Exploitation
The biggest issue surrounding Under15 is the concern that these young girls will be subjected to the grueling conditions of the K-pop industry far too early. Some contestants as young as 8 years old fear the pressure, scrutiny, and training regimen will harm their mental and physical well-being.
Safety and Vulnerability
Many netizens and fans argue that a program like this makes these young girls vulnerable to exploitation. Fans on social media have pointed out that “Under15” as a title itself sounds uncomfortably suggestive. It raised concerns about how these minors will be portrayed in the entertainment industry.
Debut Age Getting Younger
Over the years, the average age of debuting idols has decreased significantly. Previously, K-pop idols would debut in their late teens or early twenties. However, in recent years, groups have debuted with members as young as 14 or 15.
Meanwhile, Under15 takes this trend to an extreme. They normalize the idea of training children for professional careers before they even reach middle school.
What Are Netizens Saying?
Public sentiment has been overwhelmingly negative. SNS like Twitter, Reddit, and Korean forums like Theqoo and Nate Pann filled with criticism.
On X (formerly Twitter)
Fans have expressed horror at the fact that an 8-year-old contestant, Kim Ga-yoon, is being marketed as a potential K-pop idol. Many have called this “child abuse” and “horrifying.” They question why such young children are going into the entertainment industry.
SHE WAS BORN YESTERDAY WHAT IS WRONG WITH YALLL ?!?!?2&:&2 pic.twitter.com/Hhc6UqPR9m
— ً (@kep1slay) March 12, 2025
On Reddit
Discussions on r/korea and r/kpopthoughts have been critical, with users condemning the show’s concept and urging people not to support it. Some sarcastically noted that “toddlers on a survival show” is the next disturbing step in K-pop’s evolution.
- “It’s only child abuse when it’s done publicly like this. As long as parents and the idol industry do it in the background as they have been doing for decades, it’s all good!”
- “Please don’t support this show because they are too young… Who came up with this idea? This is outrageous.”
On Theqoo
The reaction has been just as intense in Korea. Some top-voted comments call Under15 “a disgrace to K-pop” and “literal child exploitation”. Many netizens believe the show should be canceled before it even airs.
The Future of Under15: Will It Continue?
With the controversy and growing backlash from Korean and international fans, the question is whether Under15 can move forward as planned. Some speculate that advertisers and sponsors may withdraw their support due to the negative publicity. Others believe that if the criticism escalates, the show’s producers may need to make significant changes—or even cancel it entirely.
While the industry constantly evolves, many believe debuting pre-teens in such a competitive and often harsh environment is too far. As the debut date approaches, we will see whether the show will withstand the mounting pressure or if public outcry will force a reconsideration of its concept.
One thing is clear for now: the global K-pop community is not ready to accept Under15 without a fight. What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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