Kiss Of Life’s Biggest Controversies Explained: Cultural Appropriation, Leaked Videos, And The KCON Backlash

The K-pop industry is no stranger to intense scrutiny, and the rising girl group Kiss of Life (KIOF) has recently found themselves at the center of several high-profile controversies that have dominated headlines and fan discussions. As of December 10, 2025, the most significant issue remains the fallout from a cultural appropriation incident that led to an official apology and a major concert withdrawal, alongside the ongoing battle their agency is fighting against malicious online content targeting the members.

This deep dive explores the timeline, context, and consequences of the controversies affecting the four-member group—Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul—providing a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the challenges Kiss of Life and their agency, S2 Entertainment, are navigating in the hyper-competitive K-pop landscape.

Kiss of Life Members: Full Biography and Profile

Kiss of Life, also known as KIOF, debuted in July 2023 under S2 Entertainment with a strong, hip-hop-influenced concept, quickly earning praise for their vocal abilities and stage presence. The group consists of four highly talented members, each bringing a unique background to the team. Understanding their individual profiles helps contextualize the intense public interest and scrutiny they face.

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Julie (쥴리)

• Full Name: Julie Han (줄리 한)
• Position: Leader, Main Rapper, Lead Dancer
• Date of Birth: March 29, 2000 (The oldest member)
• Background: Julie is Korean-American and was born in Hawaii, USA. She previously trained at The Black Label, a subsidiary of YG Entertainment, before joining S2 Entertainment. Her strong command of English and powerful stage persona are key parts of the group's image.

Natty (나띠)

• Full Name: Ahnatchaya Suputhipong (아낫차야 수푸티퐁)
• Position: Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist, Rapper
• Date of Birth: May 30, 2002
• Background: Natty is Thai and is one of the most recognizable members due to her extensive pre-debut history. She was a contestant on JYP Entertainment’s survival show *Sixteen* (which formed TWICE) and Mnet’s *Idol School* (which formed fromis_9). She also debuted as a solo artist in 2020 before joining KIOF, showcasing her exceptional dancing and vocal skills.

Belle (벨)

• Full Name: Shim Hye-won (심혜원)
• Position: Main Vocalist, Songwriter
• Date of Birth: March 20, 2004
• Background: Belle has a strong musical lineage; she is the daughter of the famous 1990s Korean singer Shim Shin. She is also credited as a songwriter and composer, having participated in writing songs for other major K-pop artists, including LE SSERAFIM’s hit single “Unforgiven.” Her vocal power is a cornerstone of Kiss of Life's sound.

Haneul (하늘)

• Full Name: Won Haneul (원하늘)
• Position: Vocalist, Maknae (Youngest)
• Date of Birth: May 25, 2005
• Background: Haneul is the youngest member of Kiss of Life. Despite her young age, she is known for her stable vocals and refreshing energy on stage, completing the group’s dynamic lineup.

The Cultural Appropriation Scandal and KCON Withdrawal (April 2024)

The most widely reported and damaging controversy for Kiss of Life involves accusations of cultural appropriation stemming from a live broadcast held on April 2, 2024, to celebrate member Julie’s birthday. The incident quickly escalated into a global discussion about cultural sensitivity in K-pop.

The "Old School Hip-Hop Vibes" Livestream

The birthday celebration was themed "old school hip-hop vibes," intended to align with the group's musical style. However, the members' choice of attire, hairstyles, and actions during the stream drew immediate and severe criticism from international fans, particularly those from the Black community.

Critics argued that the members’ outfits and styling—which included exaggerated accessories, cornrows, and other elements—were stereotypical and amounted to cultural mockery, with some referring to the display as "modern day blackface." The core of the backlash was the perceived trivialization of Black culture, which is the foundation of the hip-hop genre that K-pop frequently borrows from.

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The Apology and Consequences

The backlash was so intense that both the members and S2 Entertainment issued separate apologies. All four members—Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul—posted handwritten apologies to their social media accounts, expressing regret for using language and styles that reflected racial stereotypes and promising to be more mindful and respectful in the future.

The most significant consequence of the controversy was the group’s decision to withdraw from 'KCON LA 2025'. The withdrawal was announced shortly after the incident, with the agency citing the need for the group to reflect and the ongoing controversy making their participation inappropriate. This move highlighted the severity of the backlash and the real-world impact it had on the group's international activities.

Agency’s Legal Battle Against Leaks, Deepfakes, and Malicious Content

Beyond the public controversies, Kiss of Life members have been targets of severe online harassment and illegal content distribution, prompting their agency, S2 Entertainment, to take aggressive legal action. This ongoing issue highlights the darker side of K-pop fame, where idols are vulnerable to privacy invasion and digital sexual exploitation.

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The Julie Leaked Video Rumors

In a separate, highly sensitive incident, member Julie was caught up in rumors involving alleged leaked CCTV or security camera footage. The video, which surfaced online, reportedly showed Julie in a private setting with male idols, specifically VERIVERY's Kangmin and Yeonho.

S2 Entertainment responded immediately and with force. On September 29, 2025, the agency issued a strong warning, stating they had confirmed the illegal leakage and distribution of the video footage online and would pursue all available legal avenues against those who created, shared, or spread false information related to the incident. The agency emphasized that the content was illegally obtained and distributed, constituting a serious violation of the idol’s privacy and rights.

The Natty Deepfake and Sexual Harassment Issue

Member Natty has also been a long-term target of malicious content. Reports indicate that for months, deepfake videos and images of Natty were being circulated on various pornographic websites. Deepfakes, which use AI to superimpose a celebrity's face onto explicit content, are a form of digital sexual violence that K-pop agencies are increasingly fighting.

S2 Entertainment included this issue in their comprehensive legal warning, announcing that they were pursuing legal action against individuals involved in sexual harassment, the spread of false rumors, and the creation and distribution of deepfakes. The agency's commitment to protecting its artists from this type of digital abuse is a critical and ongoing aspect of their management.

Topical Authority and The Future of Kiss of Life

The controversies surrounding Kiss of Life, particularly the cultural appropriation incident, are part of a larger, recurring issue within the K-pop industry. The genre frequently draws inspiration from Black culture, specifically hip-hop, but often fails to acknowledge or respectfully represent its origins, leading to repeated calls for greater cultural sensitivity from fans and media.

Kiss of Life's reaction—issuing a full apology and withdrawing from a major international event like KCON—demonstrates an awareness of the severity of the issue and a willingness to take accountability, a step not always taken by K-pop groups or their agencies. This response, coupled with their aggressive legal stance against digital harassment, shows S2 Entertainment's commitment to both managing public image and protecting their artists' well-being.

Moving forward, the group's success will depend on their ability to learn from these incidents, maintain their strong musical identity, and continue to release high-quality music. The intense scrutiny is a testament to their rising popularity, and navigating these complex issues is a crucial step in their journey as a globally recognized K-pop act.