BTS member J-Hope faced a temporary setback with his latest single Killin’ It Girl when Korean broadcaster KBS banned the song from its shows due to lyrics mentioning specific brands. However, after revising the lyrics, the track has now been approved for broadcast.
KBS Initially Banned Killin’ It Girl For Advertising Violations
On June 11, 2025, KBS ruled that Killin’ It Girl violated Article 46 of its broadcasting review code, which restricts indirect advertising through brand mentions in songs. The original lyrics included direct references to certain brands, which KBS considered promotional.
This decision meant J-Hope could not perform the song on KBS programs like Music Bank, a popular music show. The ban came just two days before the song’s official release on June 13.
Revised Lyrics Led To KBS Reversing The Ban
After the initial ban, J-Hope’s team submitted a revised version of the lyrics, removing the brand references. The updated version was reviewed again by KBS, and on July 9, the broadcaster announced that both the solo version and the GloRilla-featured version were now approved for airplay.
This allowed J-Hope to perform the song on Music Bank on June 20, marking its TV debut. KBS guidelines permit banned songs to be reconsidered if problematic content is edited out.
Killin’ It Girl Achieves Major Success Despite Ban
Despite the temporary ban, Killin’ It Girl became a global hit. The music video for the GloRilla-featured version reached 1 million views on YouTube in just 43 minutes, setting a record for a K-pop artist in 2025. Fans praised the song’s catchy beat and J-Hope’s dynamic performance.
The track blends pop and hip-hop, with lyrics celebrating love at first sight. The collaboration with American rapper GloRilla added an international flair, making it popular worldwide.
Fan Reactions To The Ban And Approval
Fans were initially upset about the ban but celebrated when KBS reversed its decision. Many took to social media to express their support for J-Hope.
“KBS finally did the right thing! The song is a bop, and Hobi deserves all the recognition.”
“Glad they fixed the lyrics so we can see him perform it live. The Music Bank stage was amazing!”
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With the ban lifted, Killin’ It Girl can now be played on KBS TV and radio. J-Hope continues to promote his solo work while fans eagerly await BTS’s full group comeback after military service.
