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New K-pop audition show under fire for allegedly exploiting minors





An upcoming K-pop audition show has drawn criticism from fans worldwide, with many condemning its premise of recruiting girls — all under the age of 15 — to compete for a spot in a new idol group. Experts argue the show exposes minors to potential exploitation and sexualization under the guise of entertainment.

The program under fire, broadcaster MBN's "UNDER15," features 59 young girls born after 2009 as contestants, labeling itself as the "world's first K-pop prodigy discovery project for contestants under 15."

The show is spearheaded by Seo Hye-jin, CEO of Crea Studio, known for producing the popular trot show franchises, "Miss Trot" and "Mister Trot."

"We are aiming to select members who can lead the K-pop scene, chosen directly by our viewers," Seo reportedly said while announcing the show's launch. "I might get criticized for saying this, but our goal is to create an 'underage BLACKPINK.'"

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source: The Korea Times & 크레아 스튜디오 - CReA STUDIO
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Can Netflix's 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' rekindle Jeju tourism boom?

Travel-dependent island struggles as Koreans favor overseas travel destinations

The global popularity of Netflix’s original Korean series "When Life Gives You Tangerines" could help spark a long-awaited rebound in the stagnant tourism industry of the southern resort island of Jeju.

First released on March 7 in 190 countries, the series ranked 5th on the global chart for top TV shows on Netflix, according to the streaming analytics website FlixPatrol on Tuesday. It also emerged as the most popular series in nine countries, including Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan and the Philippines.

The series follows the adventurous life of Jeju-born Oh Ae-soon (played by IU), described as "rebellious and clever," and Yang Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum), described as "foolish and sturdy." Their story unfolds across four seasons on Jeju Island, capturing the essence of its changing landscapes.

The series has brought attention to the iconic natural landscapes of Jeju Island, once the leader of Korea’s domestic tourism, highlighting its evergreen beauty and captivating scenery.

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source: The Korea Times
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Singer KCM Belatedly Revealed To Have Two Daughters With His Wife

Singer KCM has been belatedly revealed to be a father of two daughters!

On March 19, STARNEWS reported that the singer quietly welcomed two daughters with his wife, a non-celebrity nine years his junior.

While the couple officially registered their marriage three years ago, KCM and his wife’s journey as parents began long before their marriage. Their eldest daughter, now in middle school, was born 13 years ago in 2012. At the time, the couple was in a relationship but, due to personal circumstances, did not hold a wedding.

Nine years later, in 2021, they officially registered their marriage. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they opted for a private family dinner instead of a formal wedding.

In 2022, while actively promoting as a member of MSG Wannabe—a project vocal group formed on MBC’s “How Do You Play?”—KCM and his wife welcomed their second daughter.

Regarding this, KCM shared, “When our first daughter was born, I was going through severe financial hardships due to being scammed. Thus, even though we were given such a precious life, we couldn’t marry at the time. However, we raised our child with love and care. After officially registering our marriage in the winter of 2021, we’ve been living happily and raising our two wonderful daughters together.”






source: soompi via naver