LeanBranding Entertainment recently announced an open call for auditions to recruit female trainees.
What catches everyone’s attention is the age requirement – the company is seeking individuals born between 2008 and 2017.
This essentially means that LeanBranding is welcoming trainees as young as 6-7 years of age. While the concept of scouting young trainees isn’t new in K-pop, what makes this stand out is that it’s the first time a company is openly recruiting kids of such ages.
LeanBranding Entertainment is currently managing Lim Seowon, a standout participant from the survival show “Universe Ticket,” who joined the program at just 12 years old.
Netizens are expressing concerns, suggesting that starting trainee life and pursuing an idol career at such a young age could potentially have adverse effects on mental well-being, disrupt normal life, and influence the overall childhood experience of these kids.
