Outrage Grows Over UNDER FIFTEEN

As the K-Pop survival show “UNDER FIFTEEN” gears up for its launch on March 31, 2025, a chorus of outrage is growing louder, compelling viewers to call for its cancellation. The program, which focuses on debuting underage idols, has ignited fierce debate in light of recent scandals involving minors in the industry, including the troubling allegations against actor Kim Soo Hyun and his interactions with late actress Kim Sae Ron when she was still a minor.

Netizens Outraged: "Cancel This Disturbing Show!"

The backlash escalated when an alarming interview from 2016 featuring noted producer Han Dong Chul resurfaced. Internet discussions surrounding “UNDER FIFTEEN” opened a Pandora's box of criticism about the K-Pop industry's long-standing issues with child exploitation and the deeply troubling mindset of its producers.

Once hailed as a trailblazer in producing hit survival shows, Han Dong Chul is known for his role in creating iconic competitions such as “PRODUCE 101,” “Show Me The Money,” and “SIXTEEN.” However, his past comments are now shedding light on a disturbing perception of youth within the entertainment world.

During an interview with HIGH CUT magazine in 2016, Han casually confessed to creating “healthy porn for men” with “PRODUCE 101.” He described his intentions behind focusing on girl groups as an effort to craft appealing content that objectifies young contestants, effectively blurring the lines of morality within the industry.

"I'm not quite sure how to explain this, but I thought, 'I want to create healthy porn for men,'" he stated, dismissing the implications of commodifying young girls as entertainment. His remarks were linked to a perceived shift in K-Pop, where young idols are thrust into the spotlight to satisfy audience fantasies, a practice critics now label as predatory.

Calls for Reform: Is K-Pop's Culture Changing?

The scandal does not stop at the resurfacing of Han's grim words. With the entertainment industry's ongoing struggles with accountability, child protection advocates are demanding urgent reforms to ensure minors are shielded from exploitation. “UNDER FIFTEEN” is emblematic of the broader issue, raising questions about how the industry treats its youngest talents.

Responses from netizens have been overwhelmingly critical. Comments highlight just how inappropriate Han’s words are, questioning the conflation of innocence with objectification. “How can he use words like ‘younger sister’ and ‘porn’ in the same breath?” one user remarked, capturing the public’s horror at his casual attitude toward young girls in the industry.

As online discussions evolve, viewers are demanding that producers prioritize the safety and well-being of young performers rather than exploiting them for profit. With pop culture narratives changing and audiences becoming more aware, this might prompt necessary shifts in how youth is portrayed in K-Pop.

The mounting criticism surrounding “UNDER FIFTEEN” is not just about a single show; it reflects a collective push against a normalization of exploiting the innocence of youth in favor of entertainment profit. Only time will tell if the K-Pop industry will take heed or continue along its controversial path.