A new reality show is putting a spotlight on the harsh realities of the K-pop industry. It has sparked a debate about how young is too young to chase stardom. The show follows young trainees as they navigate the intense training and fierce competition. It has led many to question whether this kind of pressure is appropriate for kids.
A new survival show ‘Under 15’ on MBN features contestants barely out of elementary school. They will all fight for a spot in the cutthroat K-pop industry. As the show gains attention for all the wrong reasons, concerns are growing about the emotional and psychological toll on its young participants.
Ahead of its premiere on March 31, the reality show has revealed its lineup of contestants, all under 15 years of age. The show divided the contestants into three categories, including Vocal, Performance, and Multi.
The average age of contestants on ‘Under 15’ is much younger. Most fall between 8-12 years old and only a few are nearing the upper limit of 15-16.
Notably, several contestants on ‘Under 15’, including Woo Yewon, Kim Harin, Jeong Sohee, Janine, and Kim Gayoon, are just 8-9 years old, born in 2016. In addition, Lee Yebin, Hwang Serin, Kim Nayul, and Sun Chaeeun were born in 2015, which makes them around 9-10 years old.
The survival show “Under 15” is facing intense scrutiny online for its child contestant lineup. K-pop fans and netizens have taken to social media to express their anger with comments like “Stop debuting kids”, “WTF do you mean by debuting kids… they should be at SCHOOL”, “They just keep on getting younger and younger, why?”, “This is bringing back child labor”, and more.
Fans are worried that these young contestants are being made to look too grown-up, with outfits and poses that are too mature for their age. They’re also concerned that joining the K-pop industry so young will put too much pressure on them, potentially harming their mental health and well-being.
The K-pop world is infamous for its intense competition, and many agencies start training youngsters from a very young age, sometimes under 10. Now, with kids as young as 8 and 9 competing on TV, concerns are growing about its impact on their mental health.
Meanwhile, “Under 15”, produced by the creators of “Mr. Trot” and “Miss Trot” will begin airing on MBN on March 31. The upcoming survival show will broadcast every Monday at 9:10 PM (Korean time).
