A contract showdown over MBN’s shelved girl-group audition series "Under 15" has burst into public view, with contestants alleging they were pushed to launch overseas and producers insisting they only looked into airing the show abroad.
On Sept. 15, two members of the final debut lineup filed for an injunction to suspend their exclusive contracts with CReA Entertainment at the Seoul Western District Court, according to their attorney, Noh Jong-eon. He framed the case as one about protecting minors’ dignity and right to education while urging a broader reckoning across K-pop.
The contestants’ side says that after the broadcast was canceled, the production company and label, citing sunk production costs, required dorm-style training and pushed an overseas debut―violating rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the Public Culture and Arts Industry Development Act. They also argue the contract contains multiple unfair terms, including steep penalty clauses and a one-sided right to assign the agreement.
On Sept. 16, the "Under 15" production team countered with a statement saying they learned of the filing through media reports and had not received any court notice. They added the two performers texted about leaving the team roughly a month ago and have not participated in dorm life or any scheduled activities since.
Addressing the “overseas push” accusation, producers said that after the domestic broadcast fell through, they only explored ways to air the show in countries where its foreign members are from, emphasizing they never mentioned―let alone forced―Southeast Asia promotions.
They added that they explored multiple release options to soften the blow for the minors but could not make them happen, and warned they would pursue legal action against sensational coverage they say is inaccurate.
"Under 15" was conceived as a global audition series for contestants age 15 and under. In the days leading up to its planned premiere, MBN pulled the show entirely amid backlash over the sexualization of minors.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)