Child Exploitation Crisis: MBN’s ‘Under Fifteen’ Controversy Highlights Systemic Issues in K-pop’s Treatment of Minors
Korean broadcaster MBN has announced a comprehensive review of its controversial K-pop competition show “Under Fifteen,” including possible cancellation, following intense public backlash over child exploitation concerns.
In a statement released on March 21, MBN acknowledged mounting criticism: “We are taking the concerns expressed by various sectors of society regarding our new program ‘Under Fifteen’ very seriously. We will thoroughly reconsider not only the program’s specific content but also whether it should air at all.”
The reality competition, initially scheduled to premiere on March 31, came under fire after promotional materials revealed contestants as young as 8 years old appearing in revealing outfits. According to reports, the show’s producers had recruited children from over 70 countries, with some sources claiming they sought participants as young as 3 years old, under the controversial stated goal of “creating a minor version of BLACKPINK.”
Child welfare advocates have condemned the program as the latest example of exploitation in the K-pop industry, where minors often face grueling training schedules and inappropriate pressures. Typically, K-pop trainees begin their careers between 7-8 years old and endure training regimens that can stretch up to 18 hours daily, raising serious concerns about their education rights and health.
“This show represents everything wrong with how the industry treats children,” said Kim Min-ji, a child rights advocate in Seoul. “These are children who should be playing and studying, not being judged on their appearance and marketability before they’ve even reached puberty.”
The controversy comes despite recent legislative efforts in South Korea to protect young performers. In April 2023, the government passed regulations limiting working hours for underage idols, restricting those under 12 to 25 hours weekly and those aged 12-15 to 30 hours weekly.
The “Under Fifteen” backlash highlights the persistent tension between South Korea’s globally successful entertainment industry and growing awareness of child welfare issues. While K-pop continues its international expansion, questions about the ethical treatment of minors in the industry have intensified.
MBN has not provided a timeline for its decision regarding the show’s future, but industry observers note that the broadcaster faces significant pressure from advertisers and viewers to cancel the program entirely.
“The fact that such a show was even conceptualized in 2025 demonstrates how much work remains to be done,” noted entertainment industry analyst Park Ji-hoon. “The public reaction, however, suggests attitudes may finally be changing regarding what’s acceptable treatment of children in entertainment.”
Keywords: Under Fifteen controversy, K-pop child exploitation, MBN show cancellation #UnderFifteen #KpopControversy #ChildProtection
