Lee Soo Man’s rookie girl group A2O LITE is facing a sexualization backlash in Korea, just days after its debut, over the short outfits and promotional poses of its underage members.
According to MK Sports on October 17, criticism has erupted across Korean online communities and social media since the ages of three members — Ayune, OA, and Aijing, all born in 2013 — became public. The nine-member group under A2O Entertainment released its debut single “Neon” on October 13 and reached No. 1 on Melon TOP100 within 29 hours, earning praise for the music and choreography even as the styling is being questioned.
At issue are very short bottoms and midriff-baring crop tops worn during intense choreography, which critics say are inappropriate for 13-year-old performers. Promotional images have also drawn fire: photos of members in light-blue outfits kneeling on the floor or leaning forward, and the “Neon” cover itself, with its green human silhouettes, have sparked debate over direction and poses.
“Even if young kids with talent can debut, producers must not forget they are minors,” one widely shared comment read, per MK Sports. Others noted that the choreography is already demanding and the girls should be dressed appropriately for their age — “separate from the good song, the outfits should be improved.”
Not all voices agreed. Some said the stages felt skill-centered, with difficult choreography and group formations, and showed no sexual undertone — though even those comments added that exposure should be reduced given the members’ ages. Others urged that criticism target the styling and production teams, not the members themselves, and that insulting language be kept out of spaces the members can see.
No official statement was available from A2O Entertainment. With “Neon” climbing the charts, it remains to be seen whether the rookie group can keep the spotlight on its music.
