K-pop group KISS OF LIFEcontinues to face severe backlash as member Julie’s upcoming feature in Red Velvet subunit IRENE & SEULGI’s new album sparks outrage. Fans are furious over her involvement, citing the group’s recent cultural appropriation scandal.
On May 19, SM Entertainment announced the tracklist for IRENE & SEULGI’s mini-album TILT, revealing Julie’s rap feature on the song What’s Your Problem?. The news immediately triggered a wave of criticism, with fans calling for her removal. Many argue that the feature is unnecessary, especially since Irene is Red Velvet’s main rapper.
Track list for Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI 'TILT:'
1. TILT 2. What's Your Problem (Feat. Julie) 3. Irresistible 4. Girl Next Door 5. Trampoline 6. Heaven pic.twitter.com/LiV0MVjlq6
The backlash stems from KISS OF LIFE’s controversial April livestream, where the group celebrated Julie’s birthday with an “old-school hip-hop” theme. Members wore cornrows, gold chains, and used exaggerated Black stereotypes, leading to accusations of racism and cultural appropriation.
Even Red Velvet fans weren’t accepting of Julie, with multiple posts demanding that SM Entertainment remove her from the song. Many deemed the feature unnecessary as Irene is already known to be the group’s main rapper.
if you can remove the oyster can you not also remove the kiss of life feature @RVsmtown was joy not available or something
JUILE ft on aseul album is insanity get her off the album @SMTOWNGLOBAL
Despite issuing handwritten apologies, the group has faced lasting consequences. They recently withdrew from KCON LA 2025 after organizers and their agency, S2 Entertainment, mutually agreed to remove them from the lineup.
maybe it’s a diss track and it’s just irene and seulgi asking julie what’s her problem since she’s so racist
Irene is a main rapper wtf do they need Julie for…. Oh sm you always know how to fuck it up
Irene is a main rapper wtf do they need Julie for…. Oh sm you always know how to fuck it up
Julie, who was born in Hawaii, had previously apologized in 2023 for singing along to a song containing a racial slur. This resurfaced during the recent controversy, further fueling anger. SM Entertainment has not responded to fan demands to remove her from the track.
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