Kiss of Life issues apology for alleged appropriation on live broadcast

The agency of K-Pop girl group Kiss of Life has issued an apology following backlash due to alleged racism displayed by the members in a recent YouTube broadcast.

According to an article on Soompi, S2 Entertainment apologized for “causing discomfort.” It said the broadcast only intended to celebrate hiphop culture, which inspired the group.

“We apologize for our shortcomings in recognizing the negative cultural implications that our content could be perceived to have… Our members and team promise to approach cultural references with greater caution and respect moving forward,” the statement read.

The alleged broadcast was made to celebrate member Julie’s birthday, with the theme “Old-school Hip Hop Vibes.”

Fans were quick to call out alleged appropriation of Black culture through the girls’ styling, accent, and actions throughout the entire broadcast.

They also criticized a message by member Belle, who asked the fans not to “leave the fandom” after watching the rest of the group’s content for Julie’s birthday.

“Kiss of Life going live for Julie’s birthday, making a caricature of black people was not on my bingo card of 2025. From the hair, to the make-up, down to dialect and clothes… and even showing a picture of a group of black men that they’re ‘cosplaying,’” said a user on X.

“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,” added another user.

As of writing, content in relation to said broadcast has been removed from their channels.

Kiss of Life will be holding their concert for their first world tour “Kiss Road” at the UP Theater on April 4. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/LA, GMA Integrated News