Topics
KISS OF LIFE Julie’s Comments On Black Dancers Gain Attention Amid Backlash
They appeared on KISS OF LIFE’s music video.
Koreaboo
KISS OF LIFE recently found themselves under fire after a livestream held for Julie’s birthday sparked controversy.
The event’s dress code, described as “old-school hip hop vibes,” quickly became a point of contention when the members appeared on screen wearing outfits that seemed to mimic racial stereotypes. Their attire, including big gold chains, hats, and hairstyles such as cornrows, drew heavy criticism.
KISS OF LIFE Under Fire For Cultural Appropriation In Birthday Livestream
The group also danced to rap and hip-hop music, while attempting to freestyle, furthering accusations of cultural appropriation. Many felt the portrayal was offensive, leading to a wave of massive backlash online.
Julie born in Hawaii said the n-word and apologized, Belle born in Seattle acting crazy, I actually liked Kiss of Life and I thought Julie’s apology was sincere but this proves that black people are just something you can make fun of but if you get blacklash your sorry pic.twitter.com/tFwEpyN8F9
— Katseye 🥖 (@aekatss) April 2, 2025
The discussion surrounding KISS OF LIFE and cultural appropriation has continued, with many turning attention to the group’s previous interactions with Black culture.
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.
— ri (@ovryuri) April 2, 2025
One particular point of focus has been a recent viral clip that highlights Julie’s comments regarding the group’s Black backup dancers. The video — which features footage from the group’s “Lose Yourself” era — brings attention to Julie’s words about the dancers in the music video for their title track “Get Loud.”
For the music video, the dancers actually came to Korea from the United States. We started the intro really cool, but our dancers really played a big role this time. They came, and within a short amount of time, they really did their best and acted cool with us.
— Julie
the girls made a bad joke, we apologize on behalf of the entire fandom💔but they don’t hate you, it was a bad joke:(#kissoflife pic.twitter.com/qHssbMUunE
— aza (@novaspics) April 4, 2025
The clip, which shows the group interacting with their Black dancers and fans, has sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers believe Julie’s words indicate that the group is genuinely appreciative of Black culture and that their apology was sincere.
ooh, but girls really don’t treat people of another race badly, watch this video!!It was an unfortunate joke on Julie’s live show. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be offended, but they interact well with black kissies.
— aza (@novaspics) April 5, 2025
Sometimes racism comes from a place of ignorance or lack of awareness, they probably don’t actually hate black ppl or latinos, but what they did is really offensive and ignorant and is racist, they should have apologised themselves
— marco ★ ˒˒ (@taehyunnnzz) April 5, 2025
Others, however, argue that the group should still be held accountable for their previous actions, including the controversial livestream, and that they must face the consequences of cultural appropriation.
I need y’all to realize that racism isn’t just saying “I hate black people” and refusing to be next to them. Participating in the stereotypes that was created for black people is also a form of RACISM. People go to predominantly black schools and they’re STILL racist. https://t.co/loISEjsntj
— ∞ Cvpid ꩜ ⥉❣️˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ (@Cvpid1uv) April 5, 2025
Girl please lmaoo save this bullshit for somebody who wants to hear it. What they did was fucked up stop apologizing for these mfs and making “i know black people” and “i like black artists” edits💀
— ⋆𝐆α𝖾𝗀υᥣᥣ𝗂¹⁰ ꨄ︎💨 (@_Chaconneme_) April 5, 2025
In addition to the public apology from S2 Entertainment, the group members themselves have also issued apologies, but the reactions to it have been similarly divided. While some believe that their sincerity is evident, others remain unconvinced and demand more meaningful changes from the group moving forward. You can read more about it below.
KISS OF LIFE’s Personal Apology Sparks Heated Mixed Reactions