KISS OF LIFE’s Unexpected Update With EXO’s Baekhyun Triggers Extreme Backlash
KISS OF LIFE members continue to feel the wrath of international K-Pop fans, as every new update in their careers is scrutinized and criticized.
Most recently, Natty and Belle‘s TikTok with EXO star Baekhyun has gained attention for all the wrong reasons.
In April 2025, KISS OF LIFE sparked a massive controversy during a live birthday event for member Julie. The group tried to show a “hip-hop theme” wearing outfits and mimicking language associated with Black culture. Some members were even wearing cornrows and gold chains. Although the concept was meant to be a tribute to hip-hop culture, according to the members themselves, fans felt it crossed the line into cultural appropriation.
KISS OF LIFE Under Fire For Cultural Appropriation In Birthday Livestream
Following the backlash, S2 Entertainment and the members issued apologies, acknowledging the insensitivity and pledging to remove the content and be more mindful in the future. However, fans criticized the responses for lacking direct acknowledgment of the harm caused.
KISS OF LIFE Shares Handwritten Apology Following Julie’s Livestream
Since then, the group has faced serious consequences. They dropped out of the lineup for KCON 2025 in Los Angeles. Julie‘s feature in Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI‘s new release TILT was hit with scathing backlash, and most recently, their TikTok with Baekhyun triggered heated reactions once again.
KISS OF LIFE Julie’s New Activity Sparks Fury Amid Huge “Racist” Controversy
The EXO star recently released his new project, Essence of Reverie, with the title track “Elevator.” As part of its promotions, Baekhyun recorded and shared several TikTok videos of himself performing the choreography with fellow idols.
One of these TikToks was with none other than KISS OF LIFE’s Belle and Natty.
The reactions sparked by TikTok were overwhelmingly negative. Fans instantly demanded that the video be deleted from Baekhyun’s official social media accounts. Many claimed that associating himself with the girl group would bring negative consequences as Baekhyun prepares to start his U.S. tour.
NO…..
— jas misses sKY 💔 (@baeksoocotton) May 28, 2025
pls for who ever runs his social media delete this, this can truly affect his image specially right now that he will be touring worldwide. pls don't upload anything with problematic people…
— meel (@ye0lkyoong) May 28, 2025
Omg not them please EW
— 올라프 | Olaf✷ (@baeklio) May 28, 2025
As much as this is a great collaboration. But with the current situation and the fact that he’s going to US for the tour. I just wished his PR team is a little more careful, because ppl will find absolutely every little reason to drag him down… https://t.co/DpffEiubmy
— Plai S. 💜 ˙ސު˙ (@chanyeoldacutie) May 28, 2025
On the other hand, some international fans defended the KISS OF LIFE stars, saying that continuing to punish them for something they apologised for is too far. Some even suggested the members are being treated like criminals.
People need to take some chill pills. https://t.co/i3W1Q2octm
— 2️⃣2️⃣4️⃣💋 (@thathatboi) May 28, 2025
They already apologized, but people are still treating them like criminals. Not a fan of KIOF, but this level of hate? It's too much. When does accountability become bullying? Can we just give these girls a chance to grow and learn? https://t.co/iAAuH4bZ8t
— Aeri ✴︎ (@cosmiceris1485) May 28, 2025
You're all weird, acting like the kiof are criminals. It's stupid to think this affects Baek's reputation. This isn't a real problem.If you don't like them, fine! Keep scrolling and don't watch the video. You can get on with your life. https://t.co/r0wDj7kEMN
— Yukkari (@YukkariCL) May 28, 2025
What are your thoughts? Has the backlash KISS OF LIFE continues to get following their controversy gone too far, or is it normal for fans to have these reactions?
