The recently aired global audition program ‘Starlight Boys’ has sparked significant controversy due to allegations of contestant mistreatment. This program, a collaboration between Korea’s SBS and China’s video platform iQIYI, was planned to create a boy group that would perform on the global stage. It attracted much anticipation with 69 trainees from various nationalities, including Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam.
However, the ‘Signal Song Mission’ in the program’s second episode became problematic. Trainees were required to continuously dance to a 2-minute song until 56 were selected, with only a short 30-second break after the song ended. This repeated mission exhausted the contestants, with some needing to use oxygen masks. Chinese contestant Sun YingHao protested to the production team, stating, “We are human beings, not machines.”
Singer Lee SeungGi, acting as a judge, emphasized the reality of idols, stating, “This is a place for those dreaming of performing in front of an audience, not just K-pop idols,” highlighting the fact that idols need to handle over 30 songs in a concert. He insisted on the trainees’ endurance, saying that if they find it hard, they deprive the audience of witnessing passionate performances.
The program’s MC is actor Lee SungKyung, and the guides include singers Lee SeungGi, Daesung, HANHAE, Choi YoungJun, Kwon EunBi, Hui, Eric, and STAYC Yoon. Among the 69 participants, 21 are of Korean nationality, and some are already active idols.
‘Starlight Boys’ is receiving a lot of attention regarding its future direction, with interest in how these controversies will affect the program’s success. The focus is on how the program will resolve these issues and ensure the safety and rights of the contestants.
