When will survival shows allow people in their 30's to participate?

when ageism will stop to exist

The 2nd place of Sing Again was 44 and the 2nd place of Mr Trot was 36. You just won't see them in the idol industry.

Even idols in their 25 are treated as If they were in the retirement home so...

Park Sung Woo was 30 iirc when he participated on Produce 101.

Quote from killthisfenty

Even idols in their 25 are treated as If they were in the retirement home so...

Tis true. I call 25 the "turning" for idols. It's the literal beginning of the end for most idol careers.

When the average life expectancy has increased to 120+.

20y old is already too old because the produce group is temporary. After the temporary group, you are already 22 - 23. Once you finally debut in the "real" group for 7 years contract you are 30 and too old!

PD season 1 -> Hwag Insun (30 at that time)

PD season 2 -> Park Sunwoo ( 30 at that time)

It's not just about youthism. The industry pushes teens and younger people because of their freshness and cuteness, but they also do so because they need the youths' naivety. And at age 30, most of those who once dreamt of becoming a star lost their illusions. They probably went for regular jobs because at some point you need to earn an income.

So it's way more convenient for companies to rely on the teen demographics which provide a neverending flow of wannabe pop stars that they'll be able to shape however they see fit.