UNDER FIFTEEN is back in hot water. The controversial K-pop survival show was dropped again after reports said KBS planned to air it in Japan — not Korea.
Originally produced by MBN, the show was axed due to concerns over sexualizing extremely young contestants, some under 10 years old. Despite the backlash, KBS Japan reportedly aimed to relaunch the program under the new title Star Is Born. They even ran YouTube teasers promoting an August 11 premiere.
But on August 9, KST, KBS announced it scrapped the show from its lineup, citing public opinion both in Korea and abroad. The network stressed that KBS Japan operates independently, with programming decisions made separately though KBS Media is a shareholder.
Critics slammed the idea of a taxpayer-funded Korean broadcaster pushing a show accused of child exploitation to Japanese viewers. The timing worsened the backlash as the airing would come just before Korea’s Liberation Day, stirring national sensitivity.
Public outcry focused on the network’s questionable ethics and failure to protect minors from objectification.
Previously Canceled Idol Debut Show “UNDER FIFTEEN” Set To Premiere Again, But Not In Korea
