BLACKSWAN’s Fatou Addresses Cultural Appropriation in K-Pop After KISS OF LIFE Controversy

BLACKSWAN’s Fatou, a Belgian-Senegalese rapper, sparked discussions after sharing her thoughts on cultural appropriation in K-Pop. While not naming KISS OF LIFE directly, her tweets on April 6 criticized vague apologies and urged respect for Black culture. She wrote:

“If u wanna apologize to us Black people, make sure you address us. Don’t use everything we’ve created, run with it, and then try acting clueless.”
Fatou emphasized the importance of research, adding:
“Know that you would be nothing without Black/Afro music. Do some research—it’s fun!”
Her comments were linked to KISS OF LIFE’s recent controversy, with supporters praising her stance as a Black artist in K-Pop. Critics, however, questioned her authority to speak on African American issues, given her Senegalese-Belgian background.

KISS OF LIFE’s Livestream Backlash

KISS OF LIFE faced intense criticism after an April 2 birthday livestream for member Julie. The “old-school hip-hop” theme featured cornrows, Bantu knots, gold chains, and exaggerated mannerisms linked to Black stereotypes. Members rapped slang-heavy freestyles and jokingly called Belle “Lil Taco Belle.” Fans called the stream a “Black cosplay party,” accusing the group of mocking African American culture. Clips went viral, with one tweet calling it “modern-day blackface”.
The group’s agency, S2 Entertainment, initially defended the stream as a “tribute to hip-hop” but later deleted the video and apologized. Fans criticized the statement for not addressing affected communities directly.

Handwritten Apology Fails to Satisfy

After losing over 200,000 social media followers, KISS OF LIFE posted handwritten apologies on April 5. The members admitted they “went too far” but avoided specifics:

“We love hip-hop but didn’t realize our actions reinforced stereotypes. We promise to educate ourselves.”
Fans called the apology insincere, noting the members continued posting casual selfies amid backlash. Critics argued the group should’ve acknowledged Black culture explicitly instead of vague promises.

Industry Reactions and Debates

The incident reignited debates about cultural appropriation in K-Pop. Experts like Lee Gyu-tag (cultural studies professor) noted the industry often borrows from Black culture superficially:

“K-Pop’s global growth demands deeper cultural awareness. Copying aesthetics without understanding history is harmful.”
Fans highlighted past controversies involving BTS, BLACKPINK, and others. Supporters of Fatou argued K-Pop’s reliance on Black music obliges artists to respect its origins. Critics countered that cultural exchange is inevitable in music.

Mixed Responses to Fatou’s Stance

Fatou’s comments divided social media. Some praised her for speaking up as one of the few Black K-Pop idols:

“A Black woman in K-Pop calling out racism? We love to see it!”
Others dismissed her, arguing she isn’t African American. One tweet read:
“‘We’ve created?’ You’re not African American. Stop chasing clout.”
Despite pushback, many applauded her for highlighting systemic issues in an industry built on Black cultural foundations.

KISS OF LIFE’s next comeback is expected in June 2025, though the controversy may impact their promotions.

Also Read: KISS OF LIFE Members Write Handwritten Apology to Fans After Julie’s Birthday Livestream Triggers Cultural Appropriation Backlash and Massive Controversy

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Sources: Koreaboo

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