KISS OF LIFE’s Julie Directly Apologizes For “Racist” Birthday Livestream, Earning Mixed Reactions
KISS OF LIFE’s Julie has addressed the controversial livestream the group previously held.

Following Julie’s birthday livestream, KISS OF LIFE was criticized for appearing in styles depicting racial stereotypes of Black people. The group also acted in stereotypical ways, with Belle dressing in clothing usually worn by the Latino Cholo subculture and calling herself “Taco Belle.”
Despite the group’s company’s apology and later the group’s, many fans felt that not enough appropriate action was taken.
KISS OF LIFE Under Fire For Cultural Appropriation In Birthday Livestream
The group have faced backlash, including a drop in support and the cancellation of their appearance at KCON LA.

On May 31, however, Julie went live on Instagram, where she addressed the situation personally.
Julie stated that they wanted to be careful in addressing the situation and wanted to wait until after the birthday streams for the other members to talk about what happened. The idol emphasized that it was important for them to take accountability for their actions, and specifically offered an apology to the Black and Latino community, promising they were working hard to “be better.”
julie from kiss of life addressed what happened during her birthday live. pic.twitter.com/4XqZpxqSPZ
— ່ (@kiofsite) May 31, 2025
This apology hit specific points made by fans who felt the previous apology fell short, making some feel as though it would be better received.
Julie has always been apologetic & genuine.
She has taken accountability & apologised several times now. You don’t have to accept the apology, just leave them alone. You weirdos need to stop bullying & harassing Kiss of Life. They never intentionally hurt anyone!! https://t.co/383Oc4vEW9— miya⁴⁴ ʕ”̮ॽु 🌸🍃 (@binsprins) May 31, 2025
This apology will probably be accepted way quicker than the last two because it feels more genuine and she addressed the communities she hurt directly https://t.co/B8FkwD3KZJ
— 卂长工尺卂ꇙꏂꋊꉣꋬ꒐ (@akirasenpaiNSFW) May 31, 2025
However, many felt that the apology came too late, and was only done because the group is making a comeback soon.
Don't they have a comeback coming up? I'll give her props for acc apologizing but it's an apology that came way too late. You let the bitter taste settle and now I can't see the group the same so https://t.co/1mHu1zbbKW
— Rosaria (@nveeurlove) May 31, 2025
Im sorry but this is just so fake, they saw the consequences to their actions and finally decided to say something
“we are a mature group” doesn’t really seem like it, and “respect member birthday” what does the other member birthdays have to do with this? https://t.co/40QkSEiw5a
— girls will be fati 🐞 (@Jeon_gin_Yang) May 31, 2025
I still feel icky towards them.
Theyre promoting globally, two of them are english speakers and lived in the west. She also had a past issue for saying the N word and told everyone that she woukd elarn from it.. but clearly she didn't. The bday theme was deliberately planned. https://t.co/zJplvFjxEp
— 𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐧 ♡ ECH🌻 (@arajun_e) May 31, 2025
Though Julie addressed the communities affected by the livestream, it is still up to each individual to decide to accept the apology or not.