KISS OF LIFE is set to return with their upcoming mini album 224, but controversy continues to shadow the group. Julie recently previewed a snippet of one of the new songs on TikTok, which quickly went viral—not for musical hype, but because of the backlash it triggered. The track was accused of being a diss song aimed at critics, and fans took issue with its timing, as it came while the group is still embroiled in a cultural appropriation scandal.
The snippet, which includes the lines:
“You don’t like me, that’s fine
You don’t like me, k bye
You don’t like me, then why”
sparked anger on social media. Many interpreted the lyrics as a dismissive response to those who have criticized the group over their previous controversy involving alleged mocking of Black culture. The song’s release closely follows their removal from the KCON LA 2025 lineup, which fans believe only intensified the reaction.
Some listeners labeled the decision to drop such lyrics during an ongoing scandal as careless and inflammatory. One concerned fan wrote, “The worst possible thing KIOF could do after their controversy is release a hater diss track.” Others accused the group of choosing provocation over accountability.
However, KISS OF LIFE’s loyal fans pushed back, pointing to additional lyrics in the song that shift its context entirely. A key line in the full snippet reads:
“Do you wish we then why do you wish we were making love in your mind all the time?”
Supporters emphasized that the track was not aimed at critics or the public, but rather ex-lovers. Julie herself reportedly clarified previously that the song was meant to address the emotional aftermath of heartbreak, not the recent backlash.
Fans defending the group claimed that “people just want to cancel them over anything at this point,” suggesting the outrage was overblown and misdirected. Still, the backlash highlights that public trust in the group has not yet been repaired, despite prior apologies for their controversial actions.
This incident reveals the delicate balance artists must maintain between self-expression and accountability. As KISS OF LIFE prepares for their comeback, the way they navigate the fallout from this release may determine how their album—and their image—are ultimately received.
