Despite facing heavy backlash over concerns of child sexualization, the controversial audition show 'Under Fifteen,' produced by CReA Studio, has gone ahead with its final recording.
According to Ten Asia on April 23, the show's final stage was filmed on April 20 at the Bitmaru Broadcasting Support Center in Ilsandong-gu, Goyang. Seven contestants have reportedly been chosen for the debut lineup.
Although MBN canceled its original broadcast plans, industry sources say the production team is in talks with other networks to air the show before the end of the year.
'Under Fifteen' is a global audition program aimed at aspiring K-pop stars under the age of 15. Since its early promotion, the show has sparked fierce criticism for allegedly promoting the sexualization of minors—especially after teaser clips showed underage contestants dancing in crop tops and heavy makeup. The release of profile images featuring barcodes and birth years only added fuel to the fire.
The producers held a press conference on March 25 in an attempt to address the controversy, claiming the show had passed pre-screening by the Korea Communications Standards Commission. However, that statement was later proven false, further intensifying public outrage.
Civil society groups were quick to respond. A coalition of 129 organizations held a protest in front of MBN’s headquarters, calling for the show to be pulled from the air. 'Under Fifteen' was originally set to premiere on March 31, but due to the growing backlash, the broadcast was canceled.
At the time, CReA Studio stated: “After much deliberation, we’ve decided to cancel the March 31 broadcast and focus on protecting the participants and reorganizing the show. It will not air on MBN.”
Whether the show will find a new home on another network remains to be seen—but the controversy shows no signs of slowing down.
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