NewJeans’ Company ADOR Announces New Auditions For Male Trainees — Sparks A Heated Debate Over The Controversial Requirements
One of the most controversial topics in K-Pop is the topic of age, whether it concerns when idols debut and even those training. Recently, NewJeans‘ label ADOR has come under criticism after the requirements for their upcoming auditions were announced.
When the members were first announced, netizens couldn’t believe how young the idols were. Although, the group has recently been praised for its music and age-appropriate releases.
Yet, it wasn’t long ago when netizens were angry at the young ages after the members were deemed to be dressed inappropriately and the lyrics of their song “Cookie.”
It seems like ADOR is once again raising concerns after revealing that they are holding auditions for male trainees.
On March 28 (KST), ADOR posted a video featuring a Japanese model who is seemingly applying for the audition, and then it shows the members of NewJeans.
While the video was harmless enough, netizens couldn’t avoid the requirements, which included that all the trainees had to be born between 2004 and 2012. It means that the age range is between 10/11 to 19 years old.
2023 ADOR Global Audition
– The Real Hype Boys –
⠀
Born between 2004 and 2012
Boys only
🗓Due 2023. 4. 13 1PM (KST)
📍Apply on https://t.co/qyWEGUDFqf pic.twitter.com/c55UKrBRba— ADOR (@alldoorsoneroom) March 28, 2023
After the controversy surrounding the young ages of NewJeans, these requirements were shocking to fans.
Although it is unlikely they will debut for a few years and will focus on enhancing their skills, many believe that it is still too young to have them training for long hours and being exposed to the “toxic” K-Pop standards.
born between 2004 to 2012 ????????? are yall serious. ????? we really need to stop paying attention to these child labor groups https://t.co/l7uipWB4Sw
— chris (@sungmin1st) March 28, 2023
okay so obviously they're not debuting tomorrow so 2012 doesn't bother me so much they will train first anyway but the thought of even 2003 being old to get into this is so horrible https://t.co/jr3HhnJOsz
— ilayda🌼 (@boyzinthepark) March 28, 2023
i stg please block me if you support this https://t.co/NnnURzbult
— ocean 🃏seeing PIXY & OOO (@WlNXYCLUB) March 28, 2023
2012?@?@?@?@????!?! THATS A CHILD https://t.co/wcGhDxMoZw
— sky! (@haeinfleur) March 28, 2023
Others shared that those older than the cut-off, while would be at the perfect age to debut, are seen as too old or at a point where they can’t debut. Also, many pointed out that at this point, children should be allowed to enjoy their childhood.
my age being the oldest erm ….
pic.twitter.com/QAoG28TOS7 https://t.co/cs7mJUtFQC— mya (@jkgyus) March 28, 2023
2012 is insane by brother is 2013 and he has minecraft bedsheets and regularly goes through periods of only wearing a sonic costume for weeks on end https://t.co/GaX3e16nPl
— grey • seeing pixy in kc (@dalsosite) March 28, 2023
the way it has reached a point where people of my age are considered as hags by kpop companies https://t.co/Mex8zjP87l
— congrats on your debut ricky (@kentomagnet) March 28, 2023
While many were negative towards the age ranges, others pointed out that it was a common age for companies to audition, including SM Entertainment which has the same restrictions for those auditioning.
On the other hand, while JYP Entertainment‘s upcoming auditions have no age restrictions, HYBE specified a much older age range, with it being 15-19, but those in Europe have to be 16. This is a huge comparison to the ages set by ADOR.
While netizens have agreed that ADOR and NewJeans have predominantly stayed within an age-appropriate concept, it doesn’t stop netizens from worrying about the future. The same concerns were raised when the ages of YG Entertainment‘s trainee group BABYMONSTER were revealed.
Below, you can read more about the debate on the ages of idols and trainees.
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