K-Pop Star Julie of Kiss of Life Faces Backlash Over Culturally Insensitive Hip-Hop Livestream
By HiphopTokyo Staff | June 3, 2025
K-Pop and hip-hop have long shared a complex, intertwined relationship—one where admiration often risks crossing the line into appropriation. That line was tested again this April when Julie, a member of the rising K-pop group Kiss of Life, held a birthday livestream themed around “old school hip hop.” What was intended as a tribute quickly turned into controversy.
Julie and her members dressed in exaggerated hip-hop attire, mimicked accents, and played into stereotypes that many Black and Latino viewers found disrespectful. Clips from the stream went viral, sparking widespread criticism online.
“We Know We Messed Up.”
In response to the backlash, Julie issued a formal apology via Instagram Live on May 31. This followed previous statements from the group’s label, S2 Entertainment, and a handwritten apology Julie posted in April.
“We do realize that what we did was wrong… I wanna take the time to use this opportunity to apologize to the Black and Latino community,” Julie said during the livestream.
“We’re working hard to be better and show everyone our passion for music in whatever genre it is.”
Industry Consequences
The fallout wasn’t just online. Kiss of Life was pulled from the KCON LA 2025 lineup in a “mutual decision” with organizers, signaling how serious the situation became.
S2 Entertainment admitted their “shortcomings in recognizing the negative cultural implications” and removed the birthday stream entirely from all platforms.
Hip-Hop Is Not a Costume
Julie’s apology is a step, but it underscores a deeper issue in K-pop: the borrowing of Black culture without the context or respect it deserves. Hip-hop isn’t a theme for a livestream. It’s a culture born from struggle, creativity, and resistance—especially from Black and Latino communities.
When K-pop idols adopt hip-hop aesthetics, the community expects them to do their homework. This includes understanding the history, engaging with the culture authentically, and acknowledging the voices who built it.
What’s Next for Kiss of Life?
Despite the controversy, Kiss of Life is moving forward with their next mini-album, 224, dropping June 9, featuring the title track “Lips Hips Kiss.” Whether fans choose to support or sit this one out will depend on whether they feel the group’s apology leads to real growth—or if it’s just another PR move.
Final Word
At HiphopTokyo, we’re not here to cancel—we’re here to educate and hold the culture down. Let this be a reminder to K-pop artists and global performers alike: if you’re gonna step into the world of hip-hop, come correct.