As a result of competitions such as the Pledis Kids Idol and multitude of reality tv contests idol groups are debuting on a regular basis. These new bands are made of members with varying ages, interests, and personalities. Although fans love diversity in their favorite groups, not everyone lends that same idea to the assortment of ages they range from.  It seems like the hopefuls selected are getting younger and younger. Where must the entertainment companies who create these groups draw the line?

Currently T-ara and SISTAR (Jiyeon and Hyorin) are lobbying for underage idol work laws which will regulate working hours and render schooling mandatory. The girls hope these laws will protect the next generation of stars from missing out on at least a "mini childhood". Since Jiyeon and Hyorin were extremely young when they started  their support for the aforementioned laws speaks volumes.

Once a group is formed the majority of the next years comprising their life is dedicated to touring, rehearsals, and so on and so forth leaving no time for "kids to be kids". In America this has a tendency to create more than a few issues in the star's life throughout later years. One of the more noteworthy child star meltdowns was that of Britney Spears in 2007. Understandably no one can guarantee future mental and emotional repercussions but the odds go up astronomically.

Also, let's not forget that the majority of idols are seen as attractive and desirable to the fans and other stars alike. Many people (hopefully everyone) will agree that children of a certain age shouldn't be viewed in that manner. Regardless of how the child looks physically, they have yet to develop mental and emotional maturity which is needed when reigning as a kpop idol handling adult situations.  Obviously the dream of claiming idol status is appealing but how young is too young?

A Jessica Wachtel Original

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