On April 6, Black idol and BLACKSWAN’s leader, Fatou, seemingly called out KISS OF LIFE. As a Black artist in K-pop, she demanded respect for Black contributions. And while she didn’t specifically mention the “Sticky” singers in her tweets, fans linked her words to KISS OF LIFE, who have been in the middle of controversy.
Adressing the issue, Fatou insisted on sincere apologies directed at the Black community. Many suspected she was referencing KISS OF LIFE, who apologized for their controversial hip-hop livestream but failed to make it look sincere. Her tweets addressed those who use Afro-inspired/Black music but ignore or disrespect its origins.
Fatou’s bold words shook the fandom, earning praise for respect and awareness. She reminded everyone that K-pop owes a huge debt to Black culture, so they must recognize and respect it. Her timely message sparked a conversation about cultural appropriation and real understanding. Whether or not she was shading KISS OF LIFE, her statement resonated with Black K-pop supporters.