Ok-pop group Kiss of Life (aka KIOF) has been making headlines lately for the members’ alleged controversial outfits throughout Julie’s birthday livestream in April. The members (Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul) confronted main backlash because of their outfits, speech, actions, and hairstyles within the livestream.
Followers’ opinions had been robust because the members reportedly wearing outfits that depicted racial stereotypes of Black folks. The outfits consisted of massive gold chains, cornrow hairstyles, Bantu knots, and hats. The members additionally tried to freestyle and rap throughout the livestream, additional including to the alleged racist, stereotypical conduct.
Julie born in Hawaii stated the n-word and apologized, Belle born in Seattle performing loopy, I truly favored Kiss of Life and I believed Julie’s apology was honest however this proves that black persons are simply one thing you may make enjoyable of however for those who get blacklash your sorry pic.twitter.com/tFwEpyN8F9
— Katseye 👾 (@aekatss) April 2, 2025
How Did Kiss Of Life’s Controversial Reside Stream Have an effect on Its Actions?
Followers took the matter into their palms and started mass emailing Kiss of Life’s label, S2 Leisure, voicing their issues and requesting fast elimination of the video. Ultimately, the label and the group got here ahead and apologized to the followers for hurting their sentiments. Nonetheless, the followers weren’t happy.
The group was additionally faraway from the KCON LA lineup. Nonetheless, the explanation for the elimination was unclear. The group additionally misplaced many followers on its social media accounts, and several other fan accounts had been reportedly shut down following the controversy.
Lower to a month later, member Julie got here ahead with a direct apology on Could 31 in one more stay stream. She burdened how vital it was for her and the members to acknowledge and proper their mistake, and he or she additionally supplied an apology to the Black and Latino communities. Julie stated she waited together with her apology till different Kiss of Life members’ birthdays had been carried out in order to not shadow their celebrations.
julie from kiss of life addressed what occurred throughout her birthday stay. pic.twitter.com/4XqZpxqSPZ
— ່ (@kiofsite) Could 31, 2025
Even so, her apology drew blended reactions from the followers. Whereas many believed that Julie’s apology was higher than those who got here earlier and confirmed some kindness in direction of the singer and the group, others thought that the apology was simply one other gimmick to regain misplaced assist, because the group is slated to make a comeback quickly.
The followers’ opinion over Kiss of Life stays divided. The controversy has spawned renewed conversations over cultural appropriation, international identification, and respect for each tradition. A now-deleted Reddit thread had launched into an in depth dialogue on the matter. A number of followers have moved on from Kiss of Life’s actions, however many proceed to recollect.
the hypocrisy within the k-pop fandom is evident. Y’all are fast to cancel one group whereas turning a blind eye to the numerous cases of racism, CA and offensive conduct from their very own favs who usually don’t even hassle to difficulty correct apologies. https://t.co/TyrQQbTPwF
— whodatb (@moonlightrdr) Could 31, 2025
Which Different Latest Incidents Sparked A Backlash Towards Kiss Of Life?
Julie additionally got here underneath fireplace lately as she was featured on the observe What’s Your Downside? from Crimson Velvet’s Irene & Seulgi’s second mini-album TILT. Followers of Crimson Velvet and different Ok-pop listeners got here ahead with their robust objection to Julie’s inclusion within the music.
please inform me julie is an indie undiscovered lesbian artist who seulgi is basically shut with and never the racist PLEASE RED VELVET I BELIEVED IN YOU https://t.co/lGQUnc9DfS
— torta de morango (@tortinhasrtbry) Could 19, 2025
Equally, Belle and Natty’s characteristic on a TikTok with Baekhyun for his newest music, Elevator, additionally drew criticism. Whereas the followers supported Baekhyun, they expressed unfavorable ideas over the presence of KIOF members.
To the one that runs his social media & works on his promotion for his album please inform your self of what idols you’ve gotten Baekhyun collab with have carried out that’s controversial. Particularly since he’s touring within the US this will have an effect on his tour & picture with Westerners!
— MARLENE A. (@RiskyBusinessMA) Could 28, 2025
What Are Kiss Of Life’s Latest & Upcoming Actions?
Kiss of Life launched a particular digital single album, Kiss Highway, with the one Reside, Love, Chortle on Could 7. Nonetheless, the music didn’t chalk up views in distinction to the group’s earlier releases, which went viral upon launch. This hit on KIOF’s recognition is touted to be a direct results of its controversial livestream in April.
The group will return on June 9 with its fourth EP, 224. It stays to be seen if the followers’ anger mellows down in time for the group’s comeback.
For extra of the newest Korean updates, keep tuned to Koimoi!
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