K-pop girl group KISS OF LIFE is facing strong backlash again after their recent KCON announcement reminded fans of their past racism controversy. The group lost over 200,000 followers in April after a livestream where they dressed in cornrows, Bantu knots, and gold chains while mimicking Black stereotypes. Now, their new KCON appearance announcement has sparked anger online.
Fans are flooding social media with comments demanding personal apologies from the members. Many say the group should not be performing at KCON when they have not properly addressed the issue. Some fans are even calling for the group to disband.
The controversy started in April when KISS OF LIFE held a birthday livestream for member Julie. The theme was “old-school hip-hop,” but fans accused them of mocking Black culture. The members wore hairstyles like cornrows, used exaggerated slang, and even called member Belle “Lil Taco Belle.” The video was quickly removed, but the damage was done.
*”Kiss of Life going live for Julie’s birthday, making a caricature of black people was not on my bingo card of 2025. From the hair, to the make-up, down to dialect and clothes… and even showing a picture of a group of black men that they’re ‘cosplaying.’”* – X user
“What Kiss of Life did is modern day blackface and cultural mockery. Dressing up as Black people like we’re Halloween costumes, while indulging in exaggerated stereotypes? This wasn’t accidental. They sat down, planned this, and got dressed.” – Another X user
Their agency, S2 Entertainment, apologized and deleted the video, but fans wanted the members to speak up personally. Days later, the group posted handwritten apologies admitting they “took the concept too far.” However, many fans felt the apologies were vague and did not directly address the Black community.
“If u wanna apologize to us black people, make sure you address us.” – Fatou from BLACKSWAN on X
Also Read: BLACKSWAN’s Fatou Addresses Cultural Appropriation in K-Pop After KISS OF LIFE Controversy
Since then, the group has lost a huge number of followers. Their social media comments are filled with angry messages like “Apologize or disband” and “You can pretend nothing happened, but overseas fans won’t forget.” Some fans pointed out that KISS OF LIFE relies heavily on international support, making the backlash even more damaging.
Now, their upcoming KCON appearance has brought the issue back. Many fans argue that the group should not be given a big platform like KCON when they have not properly addressed the harm caused. Some comments under their announcement tweet said:
“Just selfish and ignorant.”
“Kiss of racism.”
“We are still waiting for your apology.”
“You can pretend nothing happened because the Korean fans won’t really care about this. But remember that your fandom has a large amount of overseas fans too. Your fandom isn’t even big in Korea. This strategy won’t work.”
K-pop has faced many cultural appropriation controversies before. Groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and NCT have been criticized for using Black hairstyles, slang, or imagery without understanding their cultural significance. Experts say the industry needs better education on cultural sensitivity, especially since K-pop relies on global fans.
“With K-pop’s rise from a mainly subcultural phenomenon to mainstream fame, increased scrutiny is only natural.” – Lee Gyu-tag, Professor of Cultural Studies
Despite the backlash, KISS OF LIFE has not made any new statements. Their agency has not responded to the renewed criticism either.
The group is still scheduled to perform at KCON, but it remains to be seen how fans will react when the event happens.
Credits: KBiZoom
