The scandal surrounding Under Fifteen has become one of the most talked-about moments in recent K-pop history — and now, KBS Japan has officially canceled the show after waves of outrage over the sexualization of minors in entertainment.
When the first teasers dropped, the program seemed like another upbeat K-pop survival show, but its premise quickly raised alarms. Designed exclusively for girls under 15, it showcased contestants in heavy makeup, revealing outfits, and mature stage concepts that many argued blurred the line between performance and exploitation.
Originally, KBS Japan tried to soften the backlash by renaming the program A Star Is Born – Stories of Girls Chasing Their Dreams and scheduling it for broadcast on August 11th. But the criticism didn’t fade. Instead, child protection advocates, parents, and fans united in condemnation, forcing the network to pull the plug entirely.
One detail in particular made the public’s blood boil — contestant profile photos featuring barcode designs, a chilling image that critics said symbolized the commodification of children, turning human beings into products to be marketed.
The show’s journey was short-lived. Slated for a March 31st premiere, it unraveled in just weeks. Even an emergency press conference by Seo Hye-jin, CEO of Crea Studio, on March 25th failed to calm the outrage. In fact, it only poured more fuel on the fire.
As someone who’s followed the K-pop industry for years, I’ve seen controversies come and go, but this one hits differently. It’s a reminder that dreams and stardom should never cost a child their safety, dignity, or innocence — no matter how bright the stage lights shine.
