One of the biggest debates in K-Pop has always been debuting idols at an age deemed too young for the tough industry. Whether it was SHINee‘s Taemin, BABYMONSTER‘s Chiquita, IVE‘s Jang Wonyoung, and more (who debuted at 14 years old), many believe they were too young.
SHINee’s Taemin debuted at 14 | SM Entertainment BABYMONSTER’s Chiquita was 14 at her debut | YG Entertainment IVE’s Jang Wonyoung was 14 when she debuted with IZ*ONE
One group that has gained negative attention for the young age of a new member is TripleS. The group has always been unique, with a constant rotation of members for various subunits.
Some of the members of TripleS | MODHAUS
The company has been teasing new members who would be in TripleS NXT.
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On December 31, a new video was posted introducing four new members to the group where the members introduced themselves as well as their ages.
Three of the members were born in 2006 and 2007.
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Yet, netizens couldn’t hide their when it was revealed that previously announced JooBin…
New TripleS member JooBin
Was actually born in 2009, which made her 14 at the time of being revealed to netizens.
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When the videos were shared online, while some tried to defend the decision by pointing to other idols who debuted so young, many aimed their anger at the company MODHAUS for making the decision. In particular, with many of the members sharing the hardships of debuting, they worried for Joobin’s health and well-being.
i’m mad and disappointed at modhaus for adding a 14 year old to the group, i won’t stop supporting tripleS but i can’t help to feel awkward around her just like i do with the rest of the maknae line
— bri ⟡ (@wavverse) December 31, 2023
some really questionable decision making goes on at modhaus cause why would they think it would be acceptable to debut a 09 liner in tripleS after the backlash they faced for debuting yeonji like i’m legitimately concerned for her safety and wellbeing https://t.co/BEXhJs29XA
— saturn ♡̶⟡ (@yubinification) December 31, 2023
09……….. will protect her with my life but wtf was modhaus thinking hope s21-24 are between 00-04…. https://t.co/XqH32jNbuV
— lisa.wav (@yeonajji) December 31, 2023
i hope joobins mental and physical health are taken care of well she’s so young
— most normal nano fan (@pIanetflop) December 31, 2023
i think a lot of the people who don’t see an issue with joobin’s age are probably close in age with her tbh. i was a fan of chaeyeon since busters & didn’t see how wrong things were at the time bc i was super young too, but looking back… yikes.
— sel.wav (@S4_WAV) December 31, 2023
Jaden jeong you will burn in the flames of hell for eternity https://t.co/NvfDGzM3Sx
— alive girl (@sensitiveorbit) December 31, 2023
Fans aren’t trying to share hate or blame at Joobin but are directing their anger at the company. As the expectations and stresses of being an idol continue to be exposed, the discourse on not allowing minors to debut stays strong among netizens.
“I’m legitimately concerned for her safety and wellbeing…”