Controversial “Under Fifteen” Under Fire: Child Sexualization Allegations Ignored as Show Finalizes Debut Group
Controversy-ridden audition show “Under Fifteen” has moved forward with its final recording despite heavy backlash over allegations of child sexualization. The show, produced by Crea Studio, had its final episode taped on April 20 at the Bitmaru Broadcasting Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, as confirmed by TenAsia on April 23.
The final lineup includes seven debut members, and sources say that although the show’s original broadcast plan with MBN was canceled, the production team is now in talks with other networks to air the program.
“Under Fifteen,” a global K-pop audition show for girls aged 15 and under, has faced intense backlash for allegedly sexualizing minors. Teasers showing young contestants in revealing outfits and makeup, along with profile photos featuring barcodes and birth years, sparked public outrage.
The controversy deepened after producers falsely claimed the show had passed a pre-screening by the Korea Communications Standards Commission on March 25, a statement later debunked.
In response, 129 civil organizations gathered in front of MBN headquarters, demanding the cancellation of the show. Initially scheduled to premiere on March 31, the show was officially pulled from MBN’s programming. At the time, Crea Studio released a statement saying, “After much deliberation, we decided to cancel the March 31 broadcast and focus on protecting the contestants and reorganizing the show. It will not air on MBN.”
Now, the show’s future hangs in the balance. With final episodes completed and the lineup confirmed, the production is reportedly seeking new broadcasting partners willing to take the risk of airing the controversial content.
