5 Major KISS OF LIFE Controversies That Rocked K-Pop (2024 Update)
KISS OF LIFE (KIOF), the dynamic four-member girl group from S2 Entertainment, has quickly established a reputation for their bold, 'self-produced' image and powerful performance style since their debut in July 2023. However, their rapid ascent in the K-pop world has been shadowed by a string of high-profile controversies, many of which are still being discussed as of December 21, 2025. These incidents, ranging from accusations of cultural insensitivity to serious legal battles against malicious online content, have tested the group's resilience and their agency's crisis management.
The KIOF controversy landscape is complex, involving all four members—Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul—and touching on sensitive subjects like racial representation, intellectual property, and online harassment. This article provides a deep dive into the most significant controversies that have defined the group’s early career, offering a fresh, current, and detailed look at the challenges faced by the rookie sensation.
KISS OF LIFE: Complete Member Profiles and Biography
KISS OF LIFE (키스 오브 라이프), often abbreviated as KIOF, is a South Korean girl group formed by S2 Entertainment and debuted on July 5, 2023, with their self-titled EP, KISS OF LIFE. The group is known for its strong vocals, powerful choreography, and active participation in their music production. The members are:
- Julie (쥴리)
- Birth Name: Julie Han (한줄리)
- Birthdate: March 29, 2000
- Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Positions: Leader, Main Rapper, Lead Dancer
- Entity Connection: Former trainee at The Black Label.
- Natty (나띠)
- Birth Name: Anatchaya Suputhipong (아나차야 수푸티퐁)
- Birthdate: May 30, 2002
- Nationality: Thai
- Positions: Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist, Sub Rapper
- Entity Connection: Known for competing on Mnet’s Sixteen (2015) and Idol School (2017), and debuted as a solo artist in 2020.
- Belle (벨)
- Birth Name: Shim Hyewon (심혜원)
- Birthdate: March 2004
- Positions: Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer, Sub Rapper
- Entity Connection: Daughter of veteran singer Shim Shin. She is also a recognized songwriter, having co-written LE SSERAFIM’s hit "Unforgiven."
- Haneul (하늘)
- Birth Name: Won Haneul (원하늘)
- Birthdate: May 25, 2005
- Positions: Maknae, Lead Vocalist
- Entity Connection: The youngest member (maknae) of the group.
The 2024 Cultural Appropriation and Livestream Backlash
One of the most significant and recent controversies involving KISS OF LIFE erupted in early 2024 following a celebratory live broadcast. The incident quickly drew widespread criticism for alleged cultural appropriation and the perpetuation of racial stereotypes.
Details of the Hip-Hop-Themed Broadcast
The controversy centered around a hip-hop-themed livestream held to celebrate member Julie’s birthday. During the broadcast, the members wore outfits and used accessories that fans and observers from the Black community deemed racially insensitive. The specific elements that drew the most fire included certain hairstyles and accessories that are deeply rooted in Black culture, which critics argued were being used as mere costumes without respect for their cultural significance.
The backlash was immediate, with fans taking to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment and demand a sincere apology from the members, not just the agency. Many felt the group, particularly Julie who is American-raised, should have a better understanding of cultural sensitivity.
Agency and Member Response
S2 Entertainment, KISS OF LIFE’s agency, first released an official statement, apologizing for "causing discomfort" to fans and the public. The agency stated that the intent of the broadcast was solely to "celebrate hip-hop culture" and showcase their appreciation for the genre, not to mock or appropriate. However, this initial statement was criticized for being too vague and not addressing the specific accusations of racial insensitivity.
Following the public outcry, all four members—Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul—issued a subsequent, handwritten apology. This personal apology was seen as a more direct and sincere attempt to address the issue, acknowledging the harm caused and promising to be more mindful of cultural contexts in the future. This incident highlights the growing scrutiny K-pop groups face regarding cultural representation in a globalized industry.
Natty Deepfake and Malicious Content Legal Action
A far more serious and disturbing controversy involves member Natty, who has been the target of extensive and malicious online harassment. This issue goes beyond typical fan criticism and delves into illegal activities, particularly the creation and distribution of deepfake pornography.
The Deepfake Threat: For several months, malicious users have been creating and sharing deepfake sexual videos of Natty on various pornographic websites and online communities. This egregious form of sexual harassment and defamation prompted S2 Entertainment to take decisive and strong legal action.
S2 Entertainment's Response: In September 2023, the agency released an official update, announcing that they had initiated legal proceedings against the individuals responsible for the sexual harassment, deepfakes, and the spread of false rumors targeting Natty. The agency emphasized a zero-tolerance policy, stating they would pursue both criminal and civil liability without leniency. This proactive stance by S2 Entertainment is a crucial move in protecting K-pop idols from severe online abuse, setting a precedent against the rampant issue of non-consensual deepfake content in the industry.
Plagiarism Accusations: BLACKPINK's Jisoo and ITZY Comparisons
KISS OF LIFE has also faced multiple allegations of plagiarism, particularly concerning their concept photos and visual aesthetics for their comebacks. These accusations often draw comparisons to established, senior girl groups, sparking intense debate among K-pop fandoms.
The Jisoo and ITZY Visual Similarities
The most prominent accusation arose when concept photos for one of their recent comebacks were released. Netizens immediately pointed out striking similarities to the solo visuals of BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, particularly the aesthetic used in her "Earthquake" visuals. The use of certain props, color palettes, and overall mood led to a viral discussion on whether the visuals were simply an homage or a direct copy.
Furthermore, the group's concepts were also compared to ITZY’s "Kill My Doubt" era, with some fans suggesting that elements of their teaser concepts mirrored ITZY's established visual identity. While the line between "influence" and "plagiarism" is often blurred in the highly competitive K-pop industry, these allegations placed KISS OF LIFE under additional scrutiny just as they were gaining momentum. The agency has not released a specific statement addressing the plagiarism claims, allowing the debate to continue primarily among online communities and fan bases.
Other Noteworthy Controversies and Rumors
Beyond the major incidents, KISS OF LIFE members have been involved in other, more localized controversies and persistent rumors that contribute to their overall controversial profile.
- Julie's Past Racial Slur Allegation: In 2023, an old clip of Julie singing B.o.B's 2011 song "Strange Clouds" resurfaced. The song contains a racial slur in the lyrics, and Julie was seen singing the word. This led to immediate backlash, prompting Julie to issue an apology on a livestream to the affected communities, stating she was unaware of the word's harmful context at the time.
- Julie's Alleged Private Video Leak Rumors: Member Julie, alongside VERIVERY members Kangmin and Yeonho, was caught up in a viral rumor concerning an alleged leaked video of them in a "private room." The rumors, which were unverified and widely debated by netizens, led S2 Entertainment to announce they would take legal action against the spread of the false rumors and malicious posts, classifying the content as groundless speculation.
- Haneul's Maknae Age Discussion: As the youngest member (maknae), Haneul's age (born 2005) has been a point of discussion among international fans regarding her mature concepts and choreography. Though not a scandal, the debate reflects a broader societal conversation about the sexualization of minors in the K-pop industry, a topic often raised when idols debut at a young age.
Conclusion: The Future of KISS OF LIFE Amidst Scrutiny
The early career of KISS OF LIFE has been a turbulent mix of critical acclaim for their music and intense scrutiny over their actions and concepts. The controversies surrounding cultural appropriation, plagiarism, and severe online harassment like the deepfake attacks on Natty illustrate the high-stakes environment of the modern K-pop industry. The group's ability to navigate these challenges, particularly with the proactive legal action taken by S2 Entertainment against malicious content, will be crucial to their long-term success.
As they continue their career, KIOF faces the dual task of maintaining their artistic edge—their powerful image and self-produced music—while demonstrating greater cultural awareness and sensitivity to their global fanbase. Their ongoing journey serves as a case study in how a new generation of K-pop idols must manage both traditional industry pressures and the instantaneous, unforgiving nature of the global digital sphere.
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