K-Pop is an acronym for Korean Pop which is a music genre consisting of pop, dance, electric pop, hip-hop, rock, R&B originating from South Korea. K-Pop is one of the Hallyu/Korean Wave phenomena. In the 1990s, Korean musicians began to combine European and American pop music styles. The first K-Pop group was Seo Taiji and Boys, a 3-member K-Pop group that debuted in 1992

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The fame of Seo Taiji and Boys made the music industry in South Korea grow. Over time many K-Pop agencies emerged and are famous until now. One of the famous agencies is YG Entertainment, SM Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment. The three agencies are called the BIG 3 and they are the ones who introduced the trainee system for aspiring K-POP idols. BIGBANG from YG Ent, SNSD from SM Ent, and 2PM from JYP Ent.

In the world of K-Pop, it is very familiar with auditions that start from the age of 10-12 years old. K-Pop idol candidates who have successfully passed the audition period, they do training to learn how to behave in public and how to prepare for the life of a K-Pop idol. K-Pop idol candidates train for 9 hours a day and the training can last for 3-4 years.

Most K-Pop agencies debut K-Pop idols at a very young age ranging from 13-18 years old. With an age that is still a teenager, it is expected to display the charm of cheerfulness, enthusiasm, and youth. The target that agencies are after is the younger generation who still need inspirational figures. Idols with debuts at an age are considered to be able to attract more loyal fans, because fans think that their idols are peer figures and are considered to be able to grow together.

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There are many agencies that debut idols under the general, such as BOA who debuted when he was 13 years old and most recently NCT Wish. Examples of K-Pop idols who have debuted at a young age are NIKI ENHYPEN, Jisung NCT Dream, Chiquita Baby Monster and Hyein NewJeans. Idols debuted at a relatively young age to show the spirit of teenage life. However, the more idols who debut in their teens begin to cause controversy and concern.  

The more widespread agencies debut idols at a young age (underage), in 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism provided new regulations on underage idols. The new regulations stipulate, first, that agencies must report their artists’ income once a year to avoid exploitation of idols. Secondly, the working hours of artists under the age of 12 are limited to six hours per day and those above 12-15 are limited to seven hours per day.

Third, agencies are prohibited from forcing their artists to undergo a weight loss program if the artist is a minor, as it is considered that the weight loss program may hinder the growth of children. Fourth, agencies are prohibited from restricting the educational rights of their artists. Before this new law, there were already laws regarding underage idols, such as prohibiting activities above 10 pm and idol contracts for a maximum of 7 years.

The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also prohibits agencies from interfering too much in the lives of their idols. In addition, idols who debut underage are very vulnerable to objectification. Actually, K-Pop fans are starting to criticize agencies that debut underage idols because it is very worrying.