Controversial ‘UNDER 15’ teams up with KBS for broadcast, premieres in Japan instead of Korea

The program ‘UNDER 15,’ which sparked heated debates over child sexualization and was subsequently canceled by MBN, has partnered with KBS Japan for its broadcast. This marks the public broadcaster KBS taking on the airing of a show that had faced intense criticism over its portrayal of minors.

According to sources from TenAsia on August 8, ‘UNDER 15’ will premiere on KBS Japan on August 11 at 4:50 PM. Reflecting the backlash, the program has also changed its title from ‘UNDER 15’ to ‘Star is Born.’

KBS Japan is a subsidiary established by KBS to distribute Korean content locally in Japan. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, and KBS remains the majority shareholder.

Recently, KBS Japan actively promoted the program’s broadcast, uploading teaser advertisements on its YouTube channel to encourage Japanese viewers to tune in.

‘UNDER 15’ is a global K-pop trainee competition recruiting female contestants under the age of 15 from around the world. However, controversy surrounded the show from the teaser release stage. Critics condemned scenes featuring underage participants wearing crop tops exposing their midriffs, performing with makeup, and barcode profile images displaying their birth years. These elements were accused of promoting the sexualization of children.

During a press briefing in March, the production team claimed they had passed a pre-broadcast review by the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC). This was later revealed to be false, escalating the controversy further. In response, 129 civic groups called for the program’s cancellation. After careful consideration, MBN officially pulled the show from its lineup.

Following the cancellation, ‘UNDER 15’ sought alternative broadcasters starting in April. Eventually, KBS accepted the proposal, making Japan rather than South Korea the venue for the program’s debut.