Latest news with #Haneul
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did KISS OF LIFE just copy BLACKPINK's Jisoo? Fans spot ‘uncanny' similarities and call out the group's comeback concept
K-pop's rising girl group KISS OF LIFE is gearing up for their comeback, but instead of applause, they are getting dragged, hard. The centre of the storm? Concept photos that fans of BLACKPINK's Jisoo are calling a little too familiar. Specifically, member Haneul's teaser images have people doing double-takes, and not in a good way. #Celebrity #ITZY #JisooBlackPink #KISSOFLIFE KISS OF LIFE in Hot Water: Plagiarism Allegations Involving ITZY and BLACKPINK's Jisoo The photoshoot that sparked a fandom feud Styled in a sleek black outfit with straight, long hair and full bangs, Haneul's look is drawing direct comparisons to Jisoo's visuals in her solo video earthquake. From the vibe to the accessories, fans say it is more than inspiration, it is imitation. And as the images spread, accusations of 'copying the final boss of visuals' started trending on K-pop forums. KISS OF LIFE 4th Mini Album [224]L.H.K Ver.2 : HANEUL⏰ 2025.06.09 6PM (KST)#KISSOFLIFE #키스오브라이프 #KIOF #키오프#JULIE #NATTY #BELLE #HANEUL#쥴리 #나띠 #벨 #하늘#KISSOFLIFE_224 Some fans were not having it, claiming it is disappointing to see a rookie group echo an A-lister's concept so closely. Critics feel KISS OF LIFE should be building their own identity, not borrowing someone else's. However, defenders argue that with how fast fashion cycles in K-pop, similar looks are bound to emerge. Cancel KISS OF LIFE becoz of SOTY plagiarism Still, Jisoo's fans are not buying it. They say this feels less like a coincidence and more like calculated mimicry designed to gain attention. Imitation or industry overlap? Unfortunately for KISS OF LIFE, this is not their first dance with backlash. They are still facing heavy criticism from a recent livestream celebrating Julie's birthday. The 'old-school hip hop' theme included cornrows, Bantu knots, and oversized chains, styling choices many condemned for appropriating African-American culture. Teaser KISS OF LIFE Ini Menyeret Nama Jisoo BLACKPINK dan Seulgi Red Velvet, Netizen Sebut Ada Kemiripan#KISSOFLIFE #Jisoo #BLACKPINK #Seulgi #RedVelvet The livestream was labelled tone-deaf by netizens, especially due to exaggerated gestures and rapping that bordered on caricature. The backlash was swift, and apologies were not enough for many viewers who felt deeply disrespected. KISS OF LIFE's Recent Photos Trigger Mixed Reactions Due To BLACKPINK's Jisoo Comeback under a cloud With both the Jisoo-inspired photo drama and the unresolved cultural appropriation issue still fresh, KISS OF LIFE's upcoming comeback is under a microscope. Whether they can recover from this double wave of criticism—or if the internet will continue to hold them accountable, remains to be seen.
Pink Villa
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Why are BLACKPINK's Jisoo's fans furious with KISS OF LIFE? Accusations of plagiarism being 'final boss' surface
Rising girl group KISS OF LIFE has found themselves at the center of yet another controversy. As they gear up for their comeback, the group's newly released concept photos are stirring debate online. It's not only for their visuals but also due to striking comparisons being made to BLACKPINK's Jisoo. The backlash comes as the group continues to face lingering criticism over a previous incident involving cultural appropriation. New comeback, familiar look? Ahead of their upcoming release, KISS OF LIFE has been sharing teaser images for each member. However, when Haneul's concept photos were unveiled, several fans were quick to point out uncanny similarities. Many noted that her styling closely resembled BLACKPINK Jisoo 's look from her solo video titled earthquake. In the photos, Haneul is seen wearing a bold, all-black outfit, complete with sleek, long hair with bangs and statement accessories. Netizens say it mirrors Jisoo's styling almost identically. The discussion quickly spread on online forums and social media, with fans accusing the group of mimicking Jisoo's iconic visual concept. Some expressed disappointment, questioning why an emerging group would resort to imitation instead of forging their own identity. Others, however, defended the similarities. They argue that Jisoo's fashion influence is widespread in the industry and that overlaps in styling are bound to happen. This is especially true in K-pop, where trends often cycle quickly and stylists work with similar inspirations. Recent cultural appropriation incident This controversy follows closely behind another major backlash the group has been facing. During member Julie's birthday livestream, the group drew heavy criticism over their chosen theme and styling. The celebration was presented under the theme of 'old-school hip hop vibes.' It featured members dressed in outfits that were widely condemned for perpetuating racial stereotypes. Viewers were particularly upset about the use of cultural hairstyles. It includes Bantu knots and cornrows, along with oversized gold chains, caps, and exaggerated mannerisms that seemed to mock African-American culture. The livestream also included freestyle rapping and dancing that many felt crossed the line into caricature. Social media users immediately voiced their outrage, calling the livestream tone-deaf and inappropriate. With both the concept photo comparisons and the unresolved cultural appropriation concerns, KISS OF LIFE 's upcoming comeback is under intense scrutiny. Whether the group can successfully handle this turbulent moment remains to be seen.
Korea Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Kiss of Life to return with fourth EP '224' next month
The K-pop girl group often called a 'miracle from a small agency' will be dropping their fourth EP '224' on June 9, Kiss of Life's agency S2 Entertainment announced Monday. The teaser video, released via the company's official YouTube channel at midnight, opens with a close-up of Haneul's face, followed by captivating visuals of the other members standing under dramatic lighting. The striking imagery and atmospheric sound design heighten expectations for the upcoming release. Since its debut, Kiss of Life has explored the theme of 'freedom' through music and visuals. With '224,' anticipation is building around the message the group will deliver in this next chapter. Meanwhile, the group is set to hold an encore concert for its first world tour, 'Kiss Road,' at Jangchung Arena in Seoul on July 19 and 20 'The tour began in Seoul and went on to span the globe. We ask for your continued support and anticipation for what Kiss of Life will bring to the stage as it returns to where it all started,' S2 Entertainment said in a statement, Thursday. Kiss of Life kicked off its world tour last October at Olympic Hall in Seoul and has since connected with fans across the US, Europe and Asia. On May 7, the group also released a special digital album titled 'Kiss Road,' capturing their growth as artists and the close bonds they built with their fandom, Kissy, during the tour.
AsiaOne
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
'Unlike other K-pop concerts': Small venue means Kiss of Life fans get intimate performance from girl group , Entertainment News
K-pop girl group Kiss of Life certainly lived up to their name at their first concert in Singapore on April 26. The buzz of excitement was hard to miss; inside and outside Capitol Theatre, there were snaking queues to enter the concert hall and of Kissys (their fans) taking pictures of themselves and their photocards. Fervent screams for Julie, Belle, Natty and Haneul echoed through the concert hall every time the girls appeared on the dual screens before the show started, reaching a high when the concert kicked off proper with a flashy entrance for Get Loud. Apart from their hit songs such as Igloo, Sticky and Midas Touch, other highlights of the concert would have to be the girls' solos – especially maknae Haneul's wholesome and energetic performance of Play Love Games. In a ment after their solos, Haneul, who turns 20 next month, said, "Usually I walk beside and through the Kissys, but this time I was right in front of you guys. Seeing our Kissys up close, I also find our Kissys so pretty, so chio." The smaller concert venue proved to be a huge advantage for Kissys, as the girls sashayed down the aisles flanking the standing pen back and forth during No One But Us, serving mega fanservice. Fans could see them up close and Natty even took some of their phones to snap photos and videos of herself and the crowd.
