Mnet's new survival program 'I-Land' is under criticism for its cruel tactics against minors.
Critics stated, "if you look at the first four episodes that have aired so far it seems that the program has become more harsh and cruel to minors. It's like the participants are being held responsible for 'Produce' scandal by asking contestants to decide the fate of 23 trainees in order to protect themselves. To do that, trainees have to strategize and betray their own friends to survive."
Lee Jong-im, an Executive Director that wrote a book on idol human rights stated, "They made the competition more explicit to the extent that it makes you think of movie 'Hunger Games' or 'Battle Royale.' It's uncomfortable to ask children to display emotions like that because they betrayed a friend that ended up eliminated. It's disappointing to think we expected a change after 'Produce.'
The show was also criticized for its ranking system where the children are divided into inferior classes based on performance. The show also highlights the current system of mass production of idol trainees in Korea that puts participants in infinite competition.
Experts also pointed out that introducing another survival program at a time when 'Produce' scandal has yet to be completely resolved is in itself problematic.
Experts stated that these survivals need to also have positive effects on children's hopes and dreams and asked the program to consider a format that makes good use of the idols strengths.
Professor Cho Hang-je stated, "CJENM probably thought they shouldn't miss out on this program because these types of survival shows worked since "Superstar K." But it would've been better if they focused on a way to improve the trainees' skills by providing opportunities that help trainees that aren't as strong to practice in a good environment."
- [+3,945, -25] Imagine if we elected our congressmen like this? We'll definitely be able to expose their true colors and faces
- [+1,389, -32] What's really on the line here? Isn't this a show where kids in their teens and twenties put their futures on the line? Didn't you guys see what happened with JTBC and YG's survival? They promised those poor kids a debut and put them through all kinds of things only to end up with what? And PD 101? They pitted them against each each other when everything was already set because they rigged the public's votes. This is why shows like this that pit kids against each other make me so uncomfortable. Do we really another idol survival at a time like this?
- [+1,205, -22] These survivals really make me uncomfortable. It's like they're trying to make movies out of young kids..just stop. What made them think we needed another one?
- [+702, -46] I thought the biggest violation of privacy was installing CCTV in the I-Land trainees' rooms. This is a country suffering from hidden cameras so was there a need to encourage it on the show?
- [+423, -32] They said they'd compensate 'Produce' victims and CJ would return all the profits from IZ*ONE activities. But we have yet to hear what happened to the trainees whose debut got derailed from the vote rigging....it's like everything got swallowed up
- [+91, -3] This is why shows like these need to be cancelled. It's terrifying that this is considered reality TV
- [+53, -1] We're better off disbanding Mnet instead. It's been rigging after rigging with them..
- [+56, -5] Guys, if you really think it's that problematic then don't watch...if people stop watching they won't make anymore of them. I didn't even know this survival existed..=_=
What are your thoughts on the controversy?