Does KISS OF LIFE Deserve To Be “Forgiven” For Their Scandal?

KISS OF LIFE is currently suffering fallout from a controversial live broadcast that has derailed their rising popularity and damaged the group’s public image.

KISS OF LIFE’s Belle, Natty, Julie, and Haneul | @KISSOFLIFE_S2/Twitter

The members dressed in outfits to match the theme of Julie‘s birthday livestream, “old-school hip hop vibes,” which some fans have deemed racist. The members’ behavior during the live has also been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes of Black people.

i’m sorry but what were they thinking? the hairstyles, the outfits, the movements? this is a mockery and a caricature of Black artists and the theme being ‘old school hip hop’ doesn’t change that https://t.co/ammNjbgXJ4

— rae 🌼 fuck it. weblume. #teambuttsco (@thebillagefool) April 2, 2025

now why the hell is kiss of life having a black people cosplay party 😭😭

— serene ♔ (@lowrisejns) April 2, 2025

people losing morals over kpop… i love kiof a lot but that is NOT acceptable bffr i’m pretty sure people defending this are not even a part of the community

— pinned 📌 (@gardaevoir) April 2, 2025

The controversy has resulted in ongoing backlash, the cancellation of KISS OF LIFE’s KCON performance, and more. On Reddit, K-Pop fans discussed KISS OF LIFE and whether or not the group can recover from this. One user, who said they are “not a Black person” kicked off a discussion by asking, “What can they do moving forward to redeem themselves and bounce back from this? I am also curious what they could have done aside from the apology letter to better the situation.”

what would it take for people to forgive kiss of life?
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One fan pointed out that Julie’s birthday livestream is not the only strike against KISS OF LIFE. They pointed out that Julie, an American member, previously said the n-word and has failed to educate herself.

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Others believe that something important needs to happen before KISS OF LIFE is forgiven: a “proper apology.” A verbal or written apology might put out the fire, but “genuine appreciation” could rebuild the bridges KISS OF LIFE burned.

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Some people who replied to the post feel that KISS OF LIFE will not be able to win back the fans that their controversy has cost them, while others feel that forgiveness–if it happened–can’t be put on a schedule. One user wants people to stop “pestering” Black fans and allow them to “grieve.” 

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Recently, Julie came under fire once again, this time for her upcoming collaboration with Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI.

KISS OF LIFE Julie’s New Activity Sparks Fury Amid Huge “Racist” Controversy