ATEEZ faces backlash for dance challenge video with KISS OF LIFE’s Natty amid cultural appropriation controversy
ATEEZ is under fire after posting a dance challenge video featuring member Wooyoung and KISS OF LIFE’s Natty on June 22. Fans quickly demanded the clip be deleted due to Natty’s recent controversy.
In April 2025, KISS OF LIFE sparked major backlash during a birthday livestream when they attempted a “hip-hop theme,” wearing outfits and using language linked to Black culture. Fans called it cultural appropriation. Despite apologies from the group and member Julie, many felt the response was too late and insincere. The scandal cost them a spot at KCON LA 2025.
After the video surfaced, ATEEZ fans voiced strong discomfort with Natty’s inclusion:
Lex :
“The member appearing in the video with your artist is heavily disliked for mocking different cultures. A great majority of ateez fans are uncomfortable about this. Delete.”ᴘᴇᴘᴘ:
“We don’t want this. Please protect your artist
The aim is to chart in the US this cb? An artist that is no longer welcome at KCON LA is not the way to go here.”𝓑𝓪𝓫𝓲 :
“omg please delete this, we don’t want to be associated with these racists and xenophobes ”
Some fans defended the collaboration, pointing to Wooyoung’s freedom to interact with other artists:
Ateezfan3000 LEMON DROP:
“Kpop stans grow up challenge. Woo is friends with Natty. And whether you like it or not, he is allowed to do a dance challenge with her. I’m going to need y’all to get a grip”katt:
“Wooyoung’s a grown man. He’s fully aware of what’s happening online, Twitter and all. If he does dance challenge with natty, he thought it through. If you’re starting to dislike him over this. pls go outside touch some grass and maybe talk to a therapist. This isn’t normal.”
The controversy around KISS OF LIFE looks set to continue, with ATEEZ caught in the crossfire over their association with Natty. The group has not commented on fan demands to remove the video.
