There are many Kpop idols who debuted while they were still in school. Some of them didn't even finish their junior high school education. Although their talent is commendable, it also brings about visible consequences.

Jin himself once commented on the debut of idols at such a young age. His warning has become true when fans look at the current state of Kpop.

Recently, fans are discussing Jin's comment as this issue has become the most concerned topic:

Debuting and succeeding is the dream of many Kpop trainees. In particular, the earlier the debut, the more opportunities the idol will have to succeed and prolong their career. Therefore, there are many trainees who are willing to trade their youth to practice diligently in the practice room.

In recent years, the average age of Kpop idols debuting has been decreasing. The number of young idols, even underage, debuting has been increasing to the point where it has become a trend. Now, kids born in 2003, 2004 are even considered "not young enough" to debut.

An OP's post recently gained attention in the online community when she shared this. She recounted how she failed the auditions of Kpop companies simply because she joined when she was "17, 18 years old". Specifically, she auditioned for many different K-Pop companies, but had no luck getting through any of them. The companies told her that she was trying to enter the industry too late — even though she was born in 2003.

Seeing the current situation, fans couldn't help but recall what Jin had said about the debut age of current Kpop idols. He pointed out, "I got in at 20 years old but I think that kids these days do start too young". His comment sparked a lot of conversation among fans, who are also concerned that debuting too early causes young idols to be exploited and fall.

Meanwhile, in the past, idols who debuted at the age of 14 or 15 were rare. There are even many K-pop idols who debuted in their 20s and still maintain their success to this day, typically BTS's Jin or Red Velvet's Irene. Age used to not be an issue for the third and fourth generation of K-pop idols.

But today it's different, as OP mentioned, 17, 18 years old is too late to debut. New idols debut at ѕнσ¢кingly young ages.  For example, LIGHTSUM‘s Jian, TRI.BE‘s Mire, and Billie‘s Haruna were all born in 2006, making them all just 15 or younger at the time of their debut. Additionally, many other members of recently debuted groups were born in 2005, 2006, and some were even born in 2009. This means they could have started their trainee years in their early teens or even earlier.

P Nation was criticized due to the ages of the trainees in their upcoming boy group, including one member, Kiko, born in 2009, making him just 12 years old during the show. Some of the contestants on the competition show My Teenage Girl were also only 10-12 years old. Most recently, Universe Ticket announced the eight members who would comprise of the group UNIS, and the group included a 12-year-old, Seowon, as well as two 14-year-olds.

Fans have been discussing around Jin's comments:

- Younger trainers does not equal better. It opens the doors to more exploitation, and abuse because a child isn’t going to be able to stand up for themselves.

- I also do think that kids under 16/18 shouldnt be in training either seeing how gruesome and unhealthy some companies treat these kids. i mean, ∂ιєting, losing weight, skipping meals, excessive exertion during your early teens is bound to have derogative mental and physical impacts on the kids bo∂ιєs as well.

- I think we can see how that can shape one’s life, as Taemin had a hard time when he enlisted and JK has repeatedly said that he doesn’t know how not to be BTS’s Jungkook, since their life has been revolving around performing. I think that it hinders their growth as human being since they don’t know how to be their own self, rather than what the industry wants them to be, which is a trend that you can also see in child star.

- Taemin’s talked about a lot of things that he went through because he debuted too young. I’m glad Jin is bringing this up because no matter how much fans oppose it, nothing’s gonna change unless people in positions of power speak up too.

- he’s absolutely right! most of them are being exploited & their parents support it in hoping for money & success .. this goes for all industries too 

- Thats one of the things I like about נαραиese groups, how they are still relevant despite of age, talent and experience. It’s not normal to αѕѕume that one’s career ends at 30, or being 18 is too old.

- their childhood is ruined for fame n other stuff, I genuinely feel bad :/

- I have literally seen a member of boy group debuted at 13!!. that's too young ..kid get your education first. Education and being an idol will be such a headache for ya!!