K-Pop Show “Under Fifteen” Canceled Amidst Controversy Over Minors’ Protection

As the age of idol Debut in the K-pop industry continues to drop, concerns regarding the protection of minors have grown increasingly severe. MBN’s idol audition program “Under Fifteen” was designed specifically for participants aged 15 and under, but controversy erupted when it was revealed that a participant born in 2016, meaning they were only 9 years old, had joined the show. On March 28, the production company Creah Studio issued a statement saying, “After careful consideration, we have decided to cancel the scheduled broadcast,” adding that they would focus on protecting the participants and restructure the program. Chuyun Oh, an assistant professor at San Diego State University in the United States and a K-pop critic, pointed out that the main reason for the controversy was the program’s explicit use of the girls’ ages as a marketing tool, as suggested by its title. He explained that parents and teachers were particularly concerned because, despite the participants being minors, their choreography, costumes, and expressions appeared overly mature. The trend of earlier idol Debut ages in the K-pop industry has persisted for some time. An official from an entertainment agency said, “As the idol industry places greater emphasis on building long-term fanbases, trainees who start practicing at a young age are given a competitive edge. This trend is further strengthened by the growing preference for young trainees in overseas markets such as Japan and China.” Early Debut at a young age brings serious side effects. Zelo, former member of B.A.P, said in a past live broadcast that debuting so early was physically demanding and caused immense psychological stress. He added that he had to act like an adult at a young age, which left him mentally exhausted. Taeyeon of Girls’ Generation also confessed that starting her activities as a high school student made it difficult for her to form relationships with peers, and she faced excessive stress that was hard to handle at such a young age. Experts in child psychology warn that entering the entertainment industry at a young age can negatively impact mental health and development. Minors who are still in the process of forming their identity may struggle with self-development if they endure strict schedules like those of trainees, as they lack opportunities for diverse experiences. Being placed in an overly competitive environment during a critical period for peer relationships can hinder social development, and young celebrities are exposed to harsh criticism and appearance judgments, increasing the risk of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Concerns among K-pop fans about early Debut are also rising. A fan who has supported NCT DREAM, whose average Debut age is 15.6 years, said, “While it’s fun to watch idols grow up at a young age, it’s heartbreaking to see so young people having to endure a harsh environment.” Another fan commented, “I’m not sure if it’s right for them to give up everything for idol activities during a time when they should freely experience life. Agencies and broadcasters should focus on long-term system improvements rather than just seeking short-term success.” The United States has legal mechanisms in place to protect child celebrities. In California, working hours for minor celebrities are strictly limited, a portion of their earnings is protected, and their right to education is firmly guaranteed. Although South Korea has the “Law on the Development of Popular Culture and Arts Industry,” it currently lacks effective legislation to protect minor celebrities. Recently, a revised version of this law was submitted to the National Assembly, proposing age-specific limits on working hours for youth celebrities: 30 hours per week and 6 hours per day for those under 9 years old; 35 hours per week and 7 hours per day for those aged 9 to 14; and 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day for those 15 and older. While K-pop fans support this bill, major domestic record companies oppose it. An agency official said, “If regulations are tightened, it will be difficult to manage schedules other than music shows. Although the goal of protecting youth is good, enforcing such laws in practice may be challenging.” As the K-pop industry continues to grow, more idols are debuting at increasingly young ages. Experts emphasize that as the industry expands, policies for protecting celebrities must also evolve. To ensure the future of K-pop, it is time to implement fundamental measures to protect minor celebrities.