The storm surrounding UNDER 15, the so-called “world’s first global K-pop prodigy hunt”, just claimed another victim. KBS Japan has pulled the plug on airing the show, following the same path as South Korea’s MBN, which canceled it earlier this year amid allegations of sexualizing minors.

On August 9, KBS Japan released a statement explaining their decision:

“After receiving the proposal for the show, we conducted internal and external reviews and sought multiple consultations, proceeding with discussions on the assumption of airing it. However, in consideration of the grave public sentiment both domestically and internationally, we have decided not to include it in our lineup.”

For context, UNDER 15 was set to premiere on MBN back on March 31. The concept: a high-stakes competition to scout the brightest K-pop talents under the age of 15. But soon after contestant profiles and promotional trailers dropped, backlash erupted online. Critics accused the show of inappropriate marketing that sexualized minors, sparking heated debates across fandoms, parent groups, and industry circles.

Rebrand, Revive… and Cancel Again

The project briefly reemerged this summer, this time under the rebranded title Star is Born, when KBS Japan featured it in their “KBS World Recommended Programs for August 2025” on YouTube. The teaser made it seem like the show was gearing up for a second chance, but the public outcry clearly hadn’t died down.

Fans and netizens alike questioned whether rebranding could ever fix the root problem, with many saying the premise itself was flawed. And now, with Japan officially scrapping the broadcast, it seems the revival attempt has been laid to rest.

Bigger Conversations in K-pop

This controversy has reignited larger industry discussions about the ethics of debuting idols at very young ages, the responsibilities of entertainment agencies, and the thin line between showcasing talent and crossing boundaries. K-pop has no shortage of trainees under 16, but shows like UNDER 15 are forcing both fans and execs to confront just how early is too early.

At this point, UNDER 15 / Star is Born has become less about launching young stars and more about highlighting the growing scrutiny over how the next generation of idols is being treated, before they even debut.