“Delete This” — ATEEZ’s Recent Update With Female Idol Triggers Heated Backlash

Recently, ATEEZ returned with “Lemon Drop,” the title track from their new album, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3.

The group are currently promoting on music shows, and like other groups, have done dance challenges with other stars as a way of promotion.

#LemonDrop with #제이홉 선배님🍋 #LemonDropChallenge #BTS #방탄소년단 #jhope @BTS @hobipower #ATEEZ #에이티즈 #SAN #산 #GOLDENHOUR_Part3 #SummerSongs #SongoftheSummer

♬ Lemon Drop – ATEEZ

Usually, these are met with excitement from fans who enjoy seeing idols from different groups interacting. However, the latest dance challenge has earned some harsh reactions.

On June 22, a video of ATEEZ’s Wooyoung doing the challenge with KISS OF LIFE‘s Natty was uploaded to the group’s account.

#LemonDrop with #나띠 님🍋 #LemonDropChallenge #KISSOFLIFE #키스오브라이프 #NATTY @KISS OF LIFE #ATEEZ #에이티즈 #WOOYOUNG #우영 #GOLDENHOUR_Part3 #SummerSongs #SongoftheSummer

♬ Lemon Drop – ATEEZ

The two idols did the challenge well, but Natty’s inclusion did not sit well with many fans.

In April 2025, KISS OF LIFE sparked a massive controversy during a live birthday event for member Julie. The group tried to show a “hip-hop theme” wearing outfits and mimicking language associated with Black culture.

KISS OF LIFE Under Fire For Cultural Appropriation In Birthday Livestream

The group have since apologized, with Julie apologizing on a livestream to the groups affected directly. However, many felt the response was ineffective, and came too late.

Some even accused felt the apology only came after the consequences the group faced, including them dropping out of KCON LA 2025.

After the video was posted, many demanded it be deleted, citing the group’s scandal.

The member appearing in the video with your artist is heavily disliked for mocking different cultures. A great majority of ateez fans are uncomfortable about this. Delete.

— Lex 💋🍋 (@atzlex) June 22, 2025

We don't want this. Please protect your artist @kqent
The aim is to chart in the US this cb? An artist that is no longer welcome at KCON LA is not the way to go here.

— ᴘᴇᴘᴘ (@pepp_squad) June 22, 2025

omg please delete this, we don't want to be associated with these racists and xenophobes ☠️

— 𝓑𝓪𝓫𝓲 🍋 (@bunnybyeoli) June 22, 2025

On the other hand, some defended both KISS OF LIFE and ATEEZ from criticism over the video.

Kpop stans grow up challenge. Woo is friends with Natty. And whether you like it or not, he is allowed to do a dance challenge with her. I'm going to need y'all to get a grip https://t.co/hhF8AqGOaX

— Ateezfan3000 🍋LEMON DROP🍋 (@Ateezfan3000_) June 22, 2025

Wooyoung's a grown man. He's fully aware of what's happening online, Twitter and all. If he does dance challenge with natty, he thought it through. If you're starting to dislike him over this. pls go outside touch some grass 😬 and maybe talk to a therapist. This isn’t normal. https://t.co/xnuGJ5BUei

— katt (@preciouskat_) June 22, 2025

It seems KISS OF LIFE will continue to face backlash for the foreseeable future over their actions.