Controversial Audition Program “UNDER FIFTEEN” Producers Break Down In Tears After Intense Backlash
UNDER FIFTEEN is South Korea’s latest audition program, primed to debut a girl group. It has not even aired yet, but it is already under heavy criticism. The premise of contestants under fifteen years of age rubbed many the wrong way.
On the afternoon of March 25, 2025, an urgent production briefing was held at the Stanford Hotel Seoul, located on World Cup Buk-ro in Mapo-gu, Seoul, regarding the show. During the briefing, a question was raised about whether the show would be aired as scheduled. Co-prodution CEO Hwang In Young became emotional and shed tears. PD Yong Seok In remarked that the contestants would be hurt if the show was not aired.
The contestants are also deeply hurt by the distortions [in the intents of the show]. It’s very heartbreaking. The show should not be canceled. If it is, the emotional impact on the children and their parents will be significant.
— PD Hwang
The PD of the show reiterated that the show had already passed reviews.
It was also sent to the Korea Communications Standards Commission and the Korea Communications Commission. It was internally reviewed and deemed to have no issues.”
— PD Seo
UNDER FIFTEEN is the world’s first K-pop audition show specifically aimed at discovering talented performers under the age of 15, representing a generational shift. However, a teaser video released earlier showed a teenage contestant performing in a revealing outfit. Additionally, social media posts included profile images of the contestants along with a barcode-style design, leading to public criticism and concerns over the commodification of minors.
You can read more about the controversy below.
