Sat Apr 12 07:10:00 UTC 2025: ## K-Pop Group Kiss of Life Apologizes for Culturally Insensitive Live Stream

**SEOUL, South Korea** – K-Pop group Kiss of Life has issued a public apology following backlash over a recent live stream deemed culturally insensitive. The April 2nd YouTube broadcast, celebrating member Julie’s 25th birthday, featured the group dressed in attire stereotypically associated with old-school hip hop, using accents and adopting nicknames that many fans found to be mocking of Black culture.

The stream, which has since been deleted but re-uploaded by fans, showed the members wearing oversized chains, snapbacks, cornrows, and large hoop earrings. One member, Belle, was introduced as “Lil Taco Belle,” incorporating a Latina stereotype into her persona. The group also lip-synced to 50 Cent’s “In Da Club” and displayed a photograph of three Black men as inspiration for their outfits.

Criticism quickly mounted on social media, with many accusing the group of cultural appropriation and comparing the performance to “modern-day blackface.” One viral X post stated, “I’m sorry kiss of life are neither uneducated nor ignorant. They knew exactly what they were doing and just didn’t care.”

On April 5th, Kiss of Life posted a handwritten apology on social media, stating their intention was to express their love for old-school hip hop’s influence on their music. However, they acknowledged that they “took the concept too far,” creating culturally insensitive content and taking full responsibility for their actions.

The group expressed regret for the pain caused and pledged to continue educating themselves. They are currently on an Asian tour scheduled through May 2nd. The apology concluded with a statement emphasizing their commitment to learning from the experience and honoring their fans, known as Kissys.

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