Under 15 (언더피프틴) was a survival show by MBN. It was originally scheduled to premiere on March 31, 2025 but was postponed.
Background
On June 9, 2024, Seo Hyejin revealed teasers inviting any female under 16 as of 2025 to apply for the show. The program will be produced by the creators of Miss Trot and Mr. Trot, and is set to air in 2025.[1]
Following the release of the teaser on March 24, 2025, Under 15 was faced with strong backlash. The Citizens' Coalition for Democratic Media stated that the show use children as tools for commercial gain, openly encouraging them to compete in excessive physical and mental burdens, but also sexually objectifying them, resulting in child abuse and intolerable labor practices that violates the rights of minors. MBN stated they are taking all concerns into account, and added that it is regretful and unfortunate to see controversies arise before the show's premiere, causing great shock to the participants and their guardians. They will be holding an emergency briefing session the next day and review whether they will proceed to air the show or not.[2]
On March 28, it was announced that the broadcast originally scheduled to premiere on March 31 has been cancelled. According to Crea Contents Studio, this decision was made in order to protect the contestants as they will reorganize the program so they can produce the show in a manner that will not be damaging to the contestants' sincerity and the show's essence. MBN also stated that regardless of this broadcast cancellation, the network will continue to have a cooperative relationship with Crea Contents Studio.[3]
MCs
Masters
- Sandara Park
- Daesung
- Hur Young Ji
- Hyojung
- Son Dong Pyo
- Jang Jin Young
- Baek Kooyoung
- Redy
Contestants
Performance group
| Name | Age[n 1] | Nationality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alice (아리스) |
15-16 | Japanese | N/A |
| Choi Seoyeon (최서연) |
12-13 | Korean | N/A |
| Chun Jiho (천지호) |
10-11 | Korean | N/A |
| Ham Soyul (함소율) |
11-12 | Korean | N/A |
| Himari (히마리) |
10-11 | Japanese | N/A |
| Im Jiyul (임지율) |
12-13 | Korean | N/A |
| Ji Suho (지수호) |
10-11 | Korean | N/A |
| Kim Yebin (김예빈) |
12-13 | Korean | N/A |
| Kyla (카일라) |
11-12 | Thai | N/A |
| Lee Eunbyul (이은별) |
11-12 | Korean | N/A |
| Lee Yebin (이예빈) |
9-10 | Korean | N/A |
| Lim Chaeyoon (임채윤) |
11 | Korean | N/A |
| Lina (리나) |
13-14 | Thai | N/A |
| Meisa (메이사) |
14-15 | Japanese | N/A |
| Mito (미토) |
15-16 | Japanese | N/A |
| Nozomi (노조미) |
13-14 | Japanese | N/A |
| Park Damin (박다민) |
11-12 | Korean | N/A |
| Park Sua (박수아) |
15-16 | Korean | N/A |
| Sung Chaewon (성채원) |
13-14 | Korean | N/A |
| Yang Dayeon (양다연) |
13-14 | Korean | N/A |
Multi group
| Name | Age[n 1] | Nationality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anyapan (안판) |
14 | Thai | Member of ChoCo1&2. |
| Arin (안판) |
14-15 | Thai | N/A |
| Choo Yeji (추예지) |
12-13 | Korean | N/A |
| Hwang Serin (황세린) |
9-10 | Korean | N/A |
| Hwang Seunga (황승아) |
12 | Korean | Former Miss Trot 2 contestant. |
| Janine (자닌) |
8-9 | Thai | N/A |
| Jaybie (제이비) |
15-16 | Hong Kongese | Model. 2021 ACE Talent Winner. Twin sister of Jaybo. |
| Jaybo (제이보) |
15-16 | Hong Kongese | Model. 2021 ACE Talent Winner. Twin sister of Jaybie. |
| Jung Choha (정초하) |
11 | Korean | Former Show Queen contestant. |
| Kim Gayoon (김가윤) |
8-9 | Korean | N/A |
| Kim Minseo (김민서) |
13-14 | Korean | N/A |
| Kim Nayul (김나율) |
9-10 | Korean | N/A |
| Kim Seol (김설) |
13 | Korean | Actress. |
| Kim Yunji (김윤지) |
16 | Korean | Member of ChoCo1&2. |
| Kim Woojoo (김우주) |
14-15 | Korean | N/A |
| Lee Hyobi (이효비) |
12 | Korean American |
Actress. |
| Monika (모니카) |
15 | Japanese | N/A |
| Ommi (옴미) |
10-11 | Thai | N/A |
| Oh Seokryu (오석류) |
13-14 | Korean | Member of New Heart. |
| Panpalin (판파린) |
10-11 | Thai | N/A |
| Riona (리오나) |
12-13 | Japanese | N/A |
| Sherrita (셰리타) |
12-13 | Thai | N/A |
| Sun Chaeeun (선채은) |
9-10 | Korean | N/A |
| Yu Hayeon (유하연) |
11-12 | Korean | N/A |
Vocal group
| Name | Age[n 1] | Nationality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ami (아미) |
12-13 | Japanese | N/A |
| Ichika (이치카) |
12-13 | Japanese | N/A |
| Ingfah (잉파) |
11-12 | Thai | N/A |
| Jeong Sohee (정소희) |
8-9 | Korean | N/A |
| Jung Hayoon (정하윤) |
15-16 | Korean | N/A |
| Khaopoon (카오뿐) |
13-14 | Thai | N/A |
| Kim Chaeeon (김채언) |
10-11 | Korean | N/A |
| Kim Harin (김하린) |
8-9 | Korean | N/A |
| Kim Jooeun (김주은) |
13-14 | Korean | Former Show Queen contestant. |
| Kim Soyul (김소율) |
12-13 | Korean | N/A |
| Lee Narin (이나린) |
11-12 | Korean | N/A |
| Nahna (나나) |
13-14 | Thai | N/A |
| Park Subin (박수빈) |
15-16 | Korean | N/A |
| Seo Raan (서라안) |
13-14 | Korean | Former Kookmin Singer contestant. |
| Woo Yewon (우예원) |
8-9 | Korean | N/A |
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Based on age at the time of Episode 1's airing (March 31, 2025) until the final episode. Counted via the international age system, not Korean age system.