Introducing UNDER FIFTEEN: A New K-Audition Program from Crea Studio
On March 13, Crea Studio, a prominent South Korean entertainment firm, unveiled its latest initiative: the K-Audition program titled UNDER FIFTEEN. Set to debut on March 31, this innovative show aims to spotlight talented K-pop prodigies aged 15 and younger, with the ambitious goal of forming a new fifth-generation K-pop group featuring contestants from all over the world.
Program Details and Objectives
According to Crea’s official announcement, UNDER FIFTEEN is touted as the first global audition platform dedicated to discovering extraordinary K-pop talent among children under the age of 15. The program has attracted 59 contenders from over 70 countries, presenting a diverse array of races and musical genres. The contestants are described as possessing what is referred to as “hexagonal charm,”a blend of aesthetics, performance, and vocal prowess—elements that are expected to redefine the K-pop narrative and enchant fans worldwide.
“UNDER FIFTEEN is the world’s first audition to discover K-pop prodigies under the age of 15. Among the girls from over 70 countries worldwide, 59 talented participants have been selected, showcasing a variety of races, nationalities, and genres.”
“These young stars will captivate audiences with their, “hexagonal charm” ,—a combination of visuals, performance, and vocal talent—creating a new history for K-pop and thrilling fans around the world.”
Public Concerns and Criticism
Despite the excitement surrounding the show, it has sparked significant backlash from netizens. Many voiced their unease about the implications of involving very young children in the demanding and often scrutinizing world of entertainment. Observers have raised alarms over potential exploitation, stating that such a format could endanger the well-being of its young contestants.
“It keeps getting worse..,”noted one user on X.
“wtf do you mean they’ve created a survival show called “UNDER15” which is… contestants aged between 9-15,”expressed another concerned fan.
“That is unacceptable. Disturbing. The people making this, watching this, and allowing their children to be on this should all be arrested,”commented a vocal critic.
Schedule and Structure of UNDER FIFTEEN
Scheduled every Monday at 9:10 PM KST on MBN, UNDER FIFTEEN will feature its first episode on March 31. It is orchestrated by the creators behind acclaimed programs like Miss Trot and Mr. Trot, and marks a new venture in scouting emerging talent.
Casting announcements were made earlier in June 2024, welcoming applications from girls aged 16 and below. The mentorship team includes notable figures such as:
- Sandara Park
- Daesung
- Hur Young Ji
- Hyojung
- Son Dong Pyo
- Jang Jin Young
- Baek Kooyoung
- Redy
Contestant Overview and Groupings
Featuring around 60 contestants hailing from South Korea, Thailand, Japan, and Hong Kong, the participants are categorized into three distinct groups: Performance, Multi, and Vocal. Here’s an overview of the groups and representatives:
Performance Group
- Alice (15-16, Japanese)
- Choi Seo-yeon (12-13, Korean)
- Chun Ji-ho (10-11, Korean)
- Ham So-yul (11-12, Korean)
- Himari (10-11, Japanese)
- Im Ji-yul (12-13, Korean)
- Ji Su-ho (10-11, Korean)
- Kim Ye-bin (12-13, Korean)
- Kyla (11-12, Thai)
- Lee Eun-byul (11-12, Korean)
- Lee Ye-bin (9-10, Korean)
- Lim Chae-yoon (11-12, Korean)
- Lina (13-14, Thai)
- Meisa (14-15, Japanese)
- Mito (15-16, Japanese)
- Nozomi (13-14, Japanese)
- Park Da-min (11-12, Korean)
- Park Sua (15-16, Korean)
- Sung Chae-won (13-14, Korean)
- Yang Da-yeon (13-14, Korean)
Multi Group
- Anyapan (14, Thai)
- Arin (14-15, Thai)
- Choo Yeji (12-13, Korean)
- Hwang Se-rin (9-10, Korean)
- Hwang Seun-ga (12, Korean)
- Janine (8-9, Thai)
- Jaybie (15-16, Hong Kongese)
- Jaybo (15-16, Hong Kongese)
- Jung Choha (11, Korean)
- Kim Ga-yoon (8-9, Korean)
- Kim Min-seo (13-14, Korean)
- Kim Na-yul (9-10, Korean)
- Kim Se-ol (13, Korean)
- Kim Yun-ji (15, Korean)
- Kim Woo-joo (14-15, Korean)
- Lee Hyo-bi (11-12, Korean)
- Monika (15, Japanese)
- Ommi (10-11, Thai)
- Oh Seok-ryu (13-14, Korean)
- Panpalin (10-11, Thai)
- Riona (12-13, Japanese)
- Sherrita (12-13, Thai)
- Sun Chae-eun (9-10, Korean)
- Yu Ha-yeon (11-12, Korean)
Vocal Group
- Ami (12-13, Japanese)
- Ichika (12-13, Japanese)
- Ingfah (11-12, Thai)
- Jeong So-hee (8-9, Korean)
- Jung Ha-yoon (15-16, Korean)
- Khaopoon (13-14, Thai)
- Kim Chae-eon (10-11, Korean)
- Kim Ha-rin (8-9, Korean)
- Kim Jo-oeun (13-14, Korean)
- Kim So-yul (12-13, Korean)
- Lee Na-rin (11-12, Korean)
- Nahna (13-14, Thai)
- Park Subin (15-16, Korean)
- Seo Ra-an (13-14, Korean)
- Woo Ye-won (8-9, Korean)
Reactions and Future Implications
As discussions continue, many social media users are calling for a boycott of UNDER FIFTEEN, concerned about the ethical ramifications of youth involvement in the idol industry.
For continued updates on this developing story and insights into the world of K-pop, consider following reputable entertainment news sources.