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

KISS OF LIFE continues to suffer the consequences of their controversial live broadcast as member Julie‘s new project has been met with massive backlash.

Julie | @kissoflife_s2/Instagram

The now-controversial star is set to feature in Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI‘s new mini album, TILT. The hugely popular duo will release 6 new tracks, including “What’s Your Problem?” which will feature Julie.

Irene and Seulgi | SM Entertainment

The unexpected feature was revealed on May 19, when the official Red Velvet account on X (formerly known as Twitter) posted the duo’s upcoming album details. In the tracklist, Julie’s name was quickly spotted by eagle-eyed fans, and it instantly sparked heated reactions.

That feat Julie better not be Julie of kiss of life…. pic.twitter.com/m1TojbgA2X

— © jojo is TILTED and ABLUMED 🌻 (@trivijoy) May 18, 2025

SM Entertainment later confirmed the feature in a press release that revealed Julie will have a rap part in the track.

First up, the track “What’s Your Problem?” from the new album is a modern reinterpretation of ‘90s hip-hop and R&B sounds. It delivers a cool attitude and confidence in not being swayed by people who judge you based on their own standards. The refreshing vocals of Irene & Seulgi shine through, and KISS OF LIFE member Julie adds to the synergy with her rap feature.

— SM Entertainment

Following the confirmation, international netizens immediately reacted harshly to the feature.

we won’t be streaming number two

— j (@_jeshuwua_) May 18, 2025

should've gotten irene's bestie and seulgi's gf, jennie pic.twitter.com/k51a6aEt15

— ⓢ🦇 (@likeJENSEUL) May 18, 2025

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

— mimi 🦪 (@velvetfuture) May 18, 2025

JUILE ft on aseul album is insanity get her off the album @SMTOWNGLOBAL pic.twitter.com/6mJ1SxBqmN

— Sky 💟 🦪 (@yeriyeeun) May 18, 2025

maybe it’s a diss track and it’s just irene and seulgi asking julie what’s her problem since she’s so racist

— hao’s rat (@bonesandrv) May 18, 2025

Irene is a main rapper wtf do they need Julie for…. Oh sm you always know how to fuck it up

— y 🦪 (@veIvetspice) May 18, 2025

KISS OF LIFE was previously wrapped up in a massive controversy after Julie’s birthday live held by all the members together sparked huge cultural appropriation accusations.

KISS OF LIFE Under Fire For Cultural Appropriation In Birthday Livestream

Since then, the group has apologised, but the consequences remain as they most recently had to drop out of the 2025 KCON LA lineup.

KISS OF LIFE’s KCON Appearance Cancellation Sparks Mixed Reactions

KISS OF LIFE’s Status After Massive “Racist” Controversy Shocks Netizens