The Dark Shadows of the K-pop Industry...From Minors Protection Controversies to Systemic Structural Issues

As the K-pop industry achieves global success, its ethical and structural problems have been pointed out as being at a serious level. The most controversial issue was the launch of MBN’s program “Under Fifteen.” Under the title of “An Audition to Discover K-pop Prodigies Under 15 for a Generation Transition,” this program featured 59 young participants aged 8 to 15. Promotional videos showed these children dancing while wearing heavy makeup or crop tops. The production company promoted it by emphasizing a “project to discover K-pop prodigies under 15” and a “fierce debut competition among the new Alpha generation.” However, the program faced severe criticism both domestically and internationally. In particular, overseas K-pop fans strongly protested on social media, stating that “putting children under 15 on camera in a sexualized manner is insane.” Industry insiders also expressed concern. An official from an entertainment company said, “Abroad, those under 16 are considered children who must be fully protected,” adding that “there is still a tendency abroad to associate K-pop with a lolita concept.” Meanwhile, actor Kim Soo-hyun became embroiled in a scandal involving a relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron when they were minors. Right after the controversy arose, MBC’s variety show “Good Day” decided to edit out as much of Kim Soo-hyun’s appearances as possible. The production team issued a statement saying they “recognized the seriousness of the controversy” and expressed worry that “if the debate surrounding this cast continues, it could further damage the purpose of ‘Good Day’.” Danielle of NewJeans also publicly testified about the systematic problems in the K-pop industry. On March 15, through a live stream, she shared her experiences as a trainee and criticized the system, saying, “That system steals our creativity.” She recalled, “As a trainee, I had to leave messages before using the restroom, and I was constantly under surveillance while in the practice room. Even my diet was strictly controlled; I had to take photos of the food I was about to eat and send them to my manager.” Danielle added, “It’s been almost three years since my debut, yet we still haven’t broken free from that way of thinking. I wonder why a system that steals creativity is used at all.” Industry experts say these issues demand fundamental improvements to the K-pop system. An official in the music industry emphasized, “Abroad, the K-pop system itself is seen as unique and unfamiliar. Programs targeting minors must establish clear guidelines and ethical standards to protect the participants.”