The K-pop group KISS OF LIFE has recently come under fire after a livestream event held on April 2, which was intended to celebrate member Julie’s birthday and was themed around “old-school hip-hop vibes.”
During this livestream, the group’s members donned oversized gold chains, hats, and hairstyles reminiscent of cornrows and Bantu knots—attributes deeply rooted in Black culture. They also engaged with the hip-hop genre through music and freestyle rapping, choices that ignited significant controversy regarding cultural sensitivity and representation.
“I’m sorry kiss of life are neither uneducated nor ignorant. They knew exactly what they were doing and just didn’t care,”an X user commented.
Following the broadcast, numerous viewers voiced their concerns, prompting them to reach out to S2 Entertainment in hopes of having the video removed. The request was granted, but discussions around the incident intensified on social media platforms.
“There’s no educating kiss of life on this they did this willingly and fully conscious of what they were about to do before & during this live. any apology will be meaningless and hypocritical, they don’t deserve to continue having fans and releasing music,”a fan said.
“What Kiss of Life did is modern day blackface and cultural mockery. Dressing up as Black people like we’re Halloween costumes, while indulging in exaggerated stereotypes? This wasn’t accidental. They sat down, planned this, and got dressed,”another X user mentioned.
“Unfortunately kpop is & always will be a hub of ignorance/incompetence when it comes to other cultures. And sadly, even as time goes on, nothing will change. They refuse to understand other cultures ARE NOT a costume. Do better,”another netizen said.
As reactions continued, similar sentiments echoed across various comments:
“Julie born in Hawaii said the n-word and apologized, Belle born in Seattle acting crazy, I actually liked Kiss of Life and I thought Julie’s apology was sincere but this proves that black people are just something you can make fun of but if you get backlash you’re sorry,”another netizen shared.
“A member having braids from the roots done, calling the other member ‘lil taco’, Julie (in the past said a slur) telling them to come to her birthday party dressed as rappers, them ‘talking black’ in the livestream….this is the worst I’ve seen,”another person commented.
“I just think it’s crazy that kiss of life KNOWS they have a lot of black fans and 2 members who definitely know what appropriation is and they have a ‘rap’ themed appropriation birthday for Julie???,”another fan added.
KISS OF LIFE Plans New Album Release in June 2025
According to iMBC News, KISS OF LIFE has scheduled the release of their forthcoming album for June 2025. This upcoming project will mark their first major release since October 15, 2024, when “Lose Yourself”debuted. Following their European tour, the group is preparing for an Asian tour dubbed KISS ROAD, set to kick off on April 4, 2025.
The tour is anticipated to cover nine cities, including locales such as Bangkok, Manila, Singapore, Macau, Yokohama, and Osaka. Additionally, they are set to participate in Hungary’s Sziget Festival in August 2025.
Since their debut in 2023 with “Shhh,”KISS OF LIFE has rapidly gained attention for their vibrant solo tracks, including “Sugarcoat,””Countdown,””Kitty Cat,”and “Play Love Games.”Last July, they celebrated a significant milestone by winning their first music show trophy on The Show, occurring just 371 days post-debut.
The group’s discography features hits like “Sticky,””Get Loud,”and “Igloo,”with “Sticky”particularly elevating their popularity, solidifying their title as the “Summer Queen.”