"THEY ARE HERE TO STAY" — Fans react as KISS OF LIFE announces comeback with 4th mini album following cultural appropriation backlash

KISS OF LIFE (Image via YouTube/@KISSOFLIFE_S2)
KISS OF LIFE (Image via YouTube/@KISSOFLIFE_S2)

On May 18, 2025, KISS OF LIFE's official social media platforms shared that the K-pop act is set to return on June 9 with their fourth extended play, 224, confirmed for release at 6 pm KST. The return follows their controversy over cultural insensitivity.

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To start promotions, the group released a teaser clip called AWAKENING, showing quick flashes of words like SKIP, LIPS, and KIS, reflecting their name and style. This kicked off their campaign for 224.

The next day, they shared another teaser titled Today, Tomorrow, FOREVER. KISS OF LIFE has focused on themes of self-expression and independence since their debut.

Further details, including track titles or concept images, are likely to be released in the weeks ahead. Their upcoming EP 224, with its bold teaser, has caught fans’ attention.

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"224 means “today, tomorrow, forever” YES, THEY ARE HERE TO STAY 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️," an X user commented.
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Some compared the teaser's thrill to a horror movie, while others were surprised by the sci-fi visuals.

"I just came out from the cinema watching Final Destination (which is why I am late) and this concept SLAYED more than that movie!!! 💋💋💋💋," a fan remarked.
"Kiof honestly does the best concepts in 5th gen. Like no one is on their level," a user mentioned.
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"Matrix concept oh my ghad 😱," a person shared.

Fans are excited about KISS OF LIFE’s comeback and shared their joy online.

"Our girls are coming back with full swing," a netizen said.
"Ready to dive deeper into KIOF lore! Wow, they're really like no other. I know they're just as excited as Kissys for this comeback," a viewer added.
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"IM SO HAPPY QUEENS ARE BACK," another fan added.

KISS OF LIFE withdraws from KCON 2025 following cultural livestream backlash

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K-pop girl group KISS OF LIFE has pulled out of KCON LA 2025 after facing backlash linked to a livestream that sparked allegations of cultural insensitivity. The organisers and the group’s agency, S2 Entertainment, shared a joint update.

The group has confirmed they will no longer attend the Los Angeles event set for August 1–3. The decision came after discussions and reviewing all options.

This follows criticism from an April livestream, where viewers called out the members for using expressions, hairstyles, and themes linked to Black culture, raising concerns about cultural appropriation.

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One member’s use of the parody rap name “Lil Taco” led to further reaction across social media. In response, S2 Entertainment issued a formal apology, acknowledging that the livestream featured “inappropriate visuals and expressions.” The company stated it would work toward greater awareness in the future.

Following the agency’s statement, all group members shared handwritten apology letters through their official platforms, expressing regret and addressing the controversy.


Meanwhile, KISS OF LIFE will wrap up their first international tour with encore shows in Seoul on July 19–20, 2025. The Kiss Road tour began in Seoul last October and hit 39 cities, including 15 in the U.S. and 12 in Europe.

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Edited by Divya Singh
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