KISS OF LIFE is in hot water again after their latest announcement sparked fresh backlash amid a “racist” controversy.
The group originally faced accusations of cultural appropriation during a birthday livestream earlier this year.
Julie issued a direct apology recently, but the response was mixed. Some fans accepted it, others felt it wasn’t enough.
Their agency, S2 Entertainment, then dropped a statement apologizing again but revealed the members have been targets of death threats and severe harassment. They also announced plans to take legal action against online haters.
S2 Entertainment:
“소속 아티스트 관련 악성 게시물 대응 및 보호 안내” (Translation: Notice on Handling Malicious Posts and Protecting Our Artists)
The backlash to this statement exploded, with many criticizing the company for trying to use Julie’s apology as a pretext for lawsuits.
Twitter user @bpnmixx:
“See cus now it feels like julie apologized again so the company can start suing…”Twitter user @stayc_only:
“So that’s why they apologized…”
Others slammed the group for hosting a problematic event and then threatening legal action against critics.
Twitter user @zxcvyyy_:
“the audacity of this group to throw a ngga party and sue anyone who hates them like be serious”Twitter user @KindaDuvanator:
“Can’t sue for defamation if the things said are true”
However, some defended S2’s decision to protect their artists from extreme hate, including deepfakes and death threats.
Twitter user @blurredfilter:
“im not defending them but deepfakes and dts are completely inexcusable yall need to stop dragging them for taking action against it”Twitter user @SDavid3388:
“You can criticize Kiss of Life for what they did on that live stream, and you don’t have to accept their apology, BUT if you sent death threats, and you did deepfakes to spread misinformation etc, you deserve jail time!”
The debate continues as KISS OF LIFE battles backlash and legal threats after the controversial livestream. Fans remain split over the sincerity of apologies and the company’s response.