Controversy Over Child Sexualization in 'Under Fifteen'... "Will Conduct a Full Review"

"We Take Social Concerns Seriously"
"Will Announce Our Position After a Comprehensive Review"

MBN announced that it will conduct a "comprehensive review" regarding the controversy over child sexualization surrounding its girl group training program 'Under Fifteen.'

On the 21st, MBN released an official statement saying, "We take the concerns from various sectors of our society regarding the new program 'Under Fifteen' very seriously," and added, "In relation to this, MBN will conduct a full review of the program's detailed content as well as its broadcast status, and will announce the company's position soon."

MBN Under Fifteen. MBN

'Under Fifteen' is a generation-changing audition to discover K-pop prodigies under the age of 15, featuring 59 girls under 15 from over 70 countries worldwide, aiming to train a girl group.

It is known to have been planned by Seo Hye-jin, CEO of Creastudio, who produced 'Miss Trot' and 'Mr. Trot.' Previously, in June last year, Seo explained the planning purpose by saying, "We will select key members who can lead K-pop chosen by viewers according to their needs," adding, "I might be criticized for saying this, but our goal is to create a 'minor Blackpink.'"

'Under Fifteen' was scheduled to premiere on the 31st, but after the teaser and trailer were released, concerns arose that the program might be sexualizing children. Especially overseas, on social media platforms (SNS), users expressed negative reactions such as "I don't like the program's title," "They dressed children under 15 in provocative outfits," and "Aren't they kids?" The hashtag '#BOYCOTTUNDER15' also spread widely.

In South Korea as well, negative public opinion grew mainly on YouTube, and eventually, the broadcaster closed the comment section on related videos on its YouTube channel.