KISS OF LIFE sparked controversy during a live broadcast on April 2. The group threw an “old-school Hip Hop vibes” party for member Julie’s birthday, sporting flashy gold chains, bold hairstyles like cornrows, and exaggerated rap moves. Many fans felt these looks and gestures were appropriating Black culture, causing a wave of online backlash almost instantly.
In response, S2 Entertainment—the agency behind KISS OF LIFE—issued an official apology. They insisted the broadcast was meant to celebrate the hip-hop culture that has influenced the group’s music but acknowledged they failed to consider the negative cultural implications. They promised to take down the offending content and learn from the incident, promising to be more respectful in the future.
However, a lot of fans remain unconvinced. They argue that the agency’s statement sounds too generic and that the group members themselves should personally apologize. Until Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul openly address their mistake, it looks like some fans and listeners will not be convinced that they’re truly sorry.