KISS OF LIFE will no longer be participating in KCON LA 2025, following a recent controversy that sparked public backlash.
KISS OF LIFE Back Out of KCON LA 2025
On May 17 KST, KCON organizers released an official statement confirming the group’s withdrawal from the event. According to the announcement, the decision was made mutually between KISS OF LIFE and the event organizers after thoughtful discussions regarding recent events.
The controversy stems from a live broadcast held earlier this month to celebrate member Julie’s birthday, which featured an “old-school hip hop” theme. While the concept aimed to pay tribute to the genre’s legacy, many viewers criticized the broadcast for what they perceived as cultural insensitivity. The styling and overall execution of the theme raised concerns, especially among international fans, prompting widespread discussion online.
In response, KISS OF LIFE’s agency, S2 Entertainment, issued an official apology on April 3 through social media, acknowledging the concerns and expressing a commitment to ensuring greater cultural awareness in future content. The agency emphasized that the group had no intention of offending or misrepresenting any culture and promised to be more careful moving forward.
Just a few days later, on April 6, the members of KISS OF LIFE personally addressed the issue through a heartfelt, handwritten apology letter. In it, they expressed deep remorse and admitted their lack of awareness, stating that they had learned a valuable lesson from the incident. The members also conveyed their sincere apologies to anyone hurt or disappointed by the broadcast and promised to grow both as artists and individuals.
While fans were eagerly anticipating KISS OF LIFE’s appearance at KCON LA 2025, the group’s absence serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity in global entertainment. The festival will still take place from August 1 to 3 at the Crypto.com Arena and LA Convention Center, featuring a packed lineup of K-pop acts and cultural programming.
