I've said it before but I have no issue with debuting young or underage idols (especially female ones)
whether one likes it or not - female idols have an "expiry date"
think of all the female kpop groups that have come and of those only 3 groups (Twice, Dreamcatcher and Mamamoo*) have all members renew with the same company...
think of all the female idols who renew post 1st contract renewal
think of all those that still perform and release new music, tour etc etc regularly...
and those think of all the ones that are somewhat successful???
and therefore one has a limited time to make a name for oneself in the industry to plan for the future...
and the early that one does it the better...
think of someone like Wonyoung who if she had a standard 7 year contract at debut she would be younger than the likes of Jisoo, Nayeon and Irene when they debuted...that's an entire career's worth of potential earnings...
now I'm not saying this is right or wrong I'm saying this is what it is!!!