Concerns rise over minors in audition shows after 'UNDER15' controversy

The controversy surrounding MBN’s unreleased audition program “UNDER15” has reignited debate over the participation of minors in entertainment auditions, raising questions about how young performers should be represented and protected on screen. “UNDER15,” produced by CreaStudio, was designed as a global audition program to form a new girl group featuring vocal prodigies under the age of 15. Producer Lee Guk-yong said in a past interview that the show received a strong response from prospective cast members, even attracting applicants as young as 5 years old. However, the program faced a major backlash after promotional images showing young contestants wearing heavy makeup and sheer outfits sparked accusations of child exploitation. The Citizens’ Coalition for Democratic Media, a civic group, criticized the show, saying it “treats children as tools for commercial profit.” In response, producer Hwang In-young became emotional at an emergency press conference, explaining the intent behind the project. “These under-15 participants are passionate and full of potential, butWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times