The program 'Under Fifteen,' which was canceled amid controversies over the sexual commercialization of minors and child exploitation, released its first episode through its YouTube channel. Concerns are being raised that it may not only be aired on broadcasters but also be released on YouTube or OTT, leading to an increase in explicit content.
Crea Studio released the first episode of 'Under Fifteen' on its YouTube channel on the 22nd, titled 'K-POP 5th Generation Girl Group Development Audition Project with Skills and Talents Beyond Age! Now Released.' Since the video is about 31 minutes long, it does not seem to contain the entire content of the first episode.
The video first showcased a stage configured within the 'Under Fifteen' cheering light stick. The side of 'Under Fifteen,' which claims to be an audition for the alpha generation that did not exist before, emphasized that stars like BoA, IU, Jungkook of BTS, and Jang Wonyoung of IVE achieved their goals before the age of 15.
In the video, 59 participants who passed the fierce preliminaries among 1,165 applicants from 57 countries around the world performed on stage with their chosen specialties. They were divided into vocal rookies who brightened the stage with singing, performance rookies who illuminated the stage with dancing, and multi rookies who showcased both singing and dancing at the same time. The participants performed on stage without revealing their ages. Judges Daesung, Sandara Park, Hyunji, Dongpyo Son, Jang Jinyoung, Baek Kyu-young, and Reddy announced the acceptance of participants with the remark, 'We will support you.'
This video was released before Crea Studio held an emergency press conference regarding 'Under Fifteen.' Co-CEO Seo Hye-jin and Hwang In-young, along with Producer Yong Seok-in, held a press conference on the 25th and noted, 'Since this is an audition aimed at those under 15, we should have taken better precautions to avoid such controversies, and we feel regretful. In this case, the doubts we did not expect are being magnified as if they are true,' while explaining, 'The intention is to conduct auditions for the alpha generation.'
They said, 'Two weeks ago, the review team, planning office, and scheduling team all watched the first episode, and the Korea Communications Commission and Broadcasting Commission also received the complete version,' and 'They internally reviewed it and found no issues. If you want to protest, please do so in front of our company. MBN has no responsibility regarding this matter,' adding, 'The participating children do not think the program will not air. If it doesn't air, the harm to the children and their parents is unimaginable,' and 'All participants think, 'We are not that kind of program, so why are we facing such misunderstandings?' They emphasized, 'We hope 'Under Fifteen' becomes a program that breaks such controversies as 'audition editing is demonic' and 'girl groups are sexual commercialization.'
However, 'Under Fifteen' ultimately had its slot canceled by MBN. The production team stated, 'After much consideration and meetings, we have decided that canceling the broadcast scheduled for March 31, after thorough deliberation, is the best method for protecting participants and restructuring. We will ensure that the essence of the program and the sincerity of the participants are not compromised.'
Despite the cancellation of 'Under Fifteen' due to participant protection and restructuring, the video released on the YouTube channel three days before the emergency press conference remains available. Some participants' information is still present. Comments have been disabled, but the video description states, 'All participants are valuable talents who applied for the program with the confirmation of their participation intentions and guardian consent, and the production team has strictly adhered to recording compliance measures to protect the minor participants. Please evaluate the passion of the participants, who are seriously devoted to achieving their dream of becoming a leading K-POP idol, along with the sincerity of the production team on the air. 'Under Fifteen' is a program that supports and encourages participants' dreams, and we will make even more careful efforts in production to prevent potential controversies.'
This video has recorded over 100,000 views in just eight days since its release. Internet users, while acknowledging that 'Under Fifteen' was canceled, express concerns that if it is released through YouTube or OTT instead of TV, the explicit content may increase.
'Under Fifteen' is the world's first audition aimed at discovering K-POP prodigies under the age of 15, functioning as a generational shift.
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