"Under15" Broadcast Canceled Amid Controversy Over Sexualization of Minors... "Focus on Child Protection"

As controversy grew over the sexualization of minors in K-POP audition programs, the production company made an emergency decision to cancel the show. Crea Studio issued a statement on March 28 stating, "After careful consideration, we have decided to cancel the broadcast scheduled for April 7 and focus on reworking the program," adding that it would take the highest priority in protecting all participants. The controversial "Under15" was a "K-POP star discovery project" promoted by Mail Broadcasting Network (MBN), featuring 59 underage girls under the age of 15 competing to become industry stars. In particular, a teaser design that displayed ages in barcode format drew criticism for treating minors as commodities. Choo Yoon Oh, an assistant professor of dance theory at San Diego State University and author of "K-Pop Dance," told DW that "the core issue lies in the program explicitly using the girls' ages as a marketing asset, as suggested by its title." She also expressed concerns from parents and teachers, noting that "the minors are performing choreography at an adult level in terms of clothing and expressions while imitating the choreography of established K-POP girl groups." K-POP has long faced criticism over explicit elements in lyrics, choreography, and performances. Jennie faced de facto cancellation in South Korea due to her excessive performances in the HBO drama "The Idol," while D.P.I.S.’s CU sparked controversy over excessive exposure after a wardrobe malfunction during a live performance in 2017. David Tizard, an assistant professor of education at Seoul Women’s University and a columnist for a South Korean daily newspaper, explained that "the core problem is the concept of packaging and selling minors as products," adding that "while it’s a less serious issue when adults are packaged this way, it’s a completely different matter when young children are treated in this manner." There are accusations that exploitation and sexualization of minors underlie the industry’s unprecedented success. It is well known that the K-POP industry has a practice of excessively sexualizing underage performers and pushing them to debut before reaching adulthood. Conversely, adult singers are often styled to appear younger, and many K-POP music videos feature them in uniforms performing provocative choreography. Critics argue that the line between artistic expression and pure sexualization, as well as the boundary between childhood and adolescence, has become blurred.