K-pop survival reality show Under Fifteen comes under fire for ‘exploiting’ preschoolers to preteens

That’s exactly what the makers of Korean survival reality show, Under Fifteen, are contending with, and with good reason. From the looks of it, Under Fifteen, set to air on March 31, won’t be getting a lot of genuine viewership, with its content being the very definition of rage bait.

While it is a well-known fact that a K-pop survival reality show, that too for seeking out contenders with future idol potential, is by no means going to be a cakewalk for the participants, what has been getting everyone’s goat is the fact that each of the 59 participants, from across 70 countries the world over, are — as the name of the show implies — Under fifteen years of age. The goal you ask? To weed out the next set of K-pop prodigies. Participants are set to be tested on the basis of their ‘hexagonal charm’ which spans visual appeal, performance prowess and vocal talent.

Not that the announcement of the show did not fan judgement, but at the time, contestants were believed to have been between 13 to 15 years of age. But as per a report carrying the statement of PD Lee Kook Yon, one of the show’s producers, contestants could be as young as 5 years old. His statement justifying the oddity went, “Some participants are as young as 5 years old. Our audition itself is a verification process. There are many kids who shine in 10 to 30-second short videos, but we want to find the real talents among them”. While the age range is in itself alarming, what has also offended the audience is how the children have been styled in the promotional stills, seemingly attempting to make them appear older than they are.

Do you think a show with this premise should be aired?