The highly anticipated debut of Starship Entertainment’s upcoming girl group, KiiiKiii, took an unexpected turn when the ages of its members were officially revealed. While the group had already been generating buzz, the confirmation of their youngest member’s age has left many fans shocked and upset.
Age Reveal Triggers Outrage
Ahead of their debut, rumors swirled about the ages of KiiiKiii’s members. According to the report, the eldest member, Leesol, is 19, while the youngest, Kia, is just 14 years old.
The official lineup and positions shared are:
- Jiyu (18) – Leader, vocalist, rapper, dancer.
- Leesol (19) – Rapper.
- Sui (18) – Vocalist.
- Haum (18) – Vocalist, rapper.
- Kia (14) – Vocalist.
While the rest of the members are 18 and older, the inclusion of a 14-year-old in an otherwise adult group has ignited heated discussions online.
“Why a 14-Year-Old?” – Fans Voice Concerns
Shortly after the official announcement, netizens took to social media to express their disappointment. Many questioned why Starship Entertainment chose to debut a minor alongside much older members, arguing that Kia’s young age might put her in an uncomfortable environment.
One user expressed frustration, saying, “Always gotta have that one 14-year-old… no idea why.” Another questioned Starship’s decision, stating, “They absolutely didn’t need a 14-year-old member.” Many echoed similar sentiments, believing the group would have been just as successful—or even better—without such a young addition.
Some fans, while acknowledging Kia’s talent, felt that she would have been better suited for a future debut. “She’s so young. Even though she looks talented, she could have debuted in a few years,” one fan noted. Others argued that Starship Entertainment should have waited before debuting her, considering how challenging and demanding the K-Pop industry can be, especially for minors.
The Ongoing Debate About Minors in K-Pop
Kia’s debut at 14 reignites a long-standing debate about minors in the K-Pop industry. While young idols are not uncommon, concerns about their well-being, working conditions, and exposure to an adult-dominated environment remain a hot topic. Fans and industry watchers continue to call for better policies regarding age limits for debuting idols, hoping companies will reconsider debuting young trainees too soon.
As KiiiKiii’s debut approaches, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect the group’s reception. Will Starship Entertainment address fans’ concerns, or will Kia’s talent silence the critics? For now, the discussion around minors in K-Pop continues to gain traction, and Kia’s debut is at the center of it all.
