UNDER FIFTEEN is facing backlash as its broadcast plans completely change amid child sexualization controversies.
The survival show featuring trainees all under age fifteen was dropped by MBN after heavy criticism about exploiting minors. Instead, it will now air on KBS Japan, under a new title, Star Is Born.
The program is set to premiere on August 11 at 4:50 pm (local time) on KBS Japan—a KBS subsidiary that airs Korean content in Japan. Trailers and ads have already launched on YouTube to promote the upcoming broadcast.
The switch comes after intense public outcry. Netizens slammed the show for the extremely young age of its contestants and the ethical concerns around minors being pushed into intense survival competitions.
All The Controversy Surrounding “UNDER FIFTEEN” And Its Child Trainees
The program will not premiere in Korea, reflecting the fallout from the backlash.
KBS Japan is treating the incident as a chance to release the show for a different audience, avoiding the storm of criticism it faced on Korean soil.
Fans and viewers are still monitoring the situation closely, especially given the strong reactions against the show’s original concept.
