The K-pop audition program 'Under Fifteen,' which became the center of controversy over the sexualization of minors, has had its broadcast canceled in Japan following an earlier axing in South Korea.

On August 9, KBS announced, “KBS Japan, a KBS subsidiary, has officially decided to cancel the scheduling of ‘A Star Is Born.’” KBS Japan had initially planned to air the show under the title ‘A Star Is Born – The Story of Girls Chasing Their Dreams’ on August 11, using the KBS World channel on the Japanese satellite broadcasting platform SkyPerfecTV.

The program's promotional materials described it as “the world’s first K-pop star discovery project for girls aged 15 and under,” highlighting the starring presence of BigBang member Daesung and 2NE1's Sandara Park. News of the planned Japanese broadcast quickly sparked public outcry in Korea, leading KBS Japan to reverse its decision and pull the show.

‘Under Fifteen’ was originally slated for broadcast on MBN in March last year as a global K-pop audition program seeking female participants aged 15 or younger. However, it was shelved in Korea amid widespread criticism that the format amounted to the sexual exploitation and commodification of children.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Screengrab from SkyPerfecTV website