K-pop girl group KISS OF LIFE have publicly addressed growing backlash over the “overly sexual” choreography and style for their new title track “Lips Hips Kiss,” directly addressing fan concerns about the group’s image and comfort on stage.
The controversy began after clips from the group’s comeback showcase in June for “Lips Hips Kiss,” the title track from their mini album “224,” spread widely on social media.
In a viral video, the members are seen wearing bra straps as part of the point choreography, a move that many netizens describe as unnecessarily sexual and “disgusting” for an idol performance.
According to Koreaboo, Korean online communities quickly filled with posts criticizing the routine and questioning why such moves were necessary for a rookie girl group still rebuilding its reputation.
In addition to the choreography, the show’s outfits, particularly member Belle’s stage costume, which some felt resembled lingerie, fueled further anger. Commentators argued that the style and dancing together pushed the group towards a concept of “shock value” rather than focusing on music and performance skills.
In response to the backlash, KISS OF LIFE and agency S2 Entertainment tried to calm fans by explaining the intent behind the routine and emphasizing the members’ safety.
The company stressed that “Lips Hips Kiss” was conceived as a bold and confident performance and said the choreography underwent an internal review before being approved. At the same time, both the group and the agency acknowledged that some viewers felt uncomfortable and said they were “listening carefully” to reactions.
Industry reports and commentary videos note that some moves have already been toned down or adjusted in later stages, with camera angles and style changed to reduce the focus on bra strap gestures, Kpop Post reported.
S2 Entertainment also reiterated that all members participate in discussions about choreography and outfits, stressing that no one is forced to perform moves that make them feel insecure.
The latest controversy comes in the wake of a racially insensitive “hip-hop-themed” birthday livestream earlier this year, which drew accusations of mocking Black and Latino communities.
After heavy criticism, all four members of KISS OF LIFE issued handwritten apologies and the company released a formal statement admitting they had reinforced harmful stereotypes. Because of that history, some fans now fear that the group and the agency are overcorrecting by leaning heavily on a sexualized image to regain attention.
Online, reactions remain divided: Some fans argue that the members should not be blamed for conceptual decisions made by adults at the label, while others insist that the group needs to establish boundaries more clearly and advocate for choreography that is in line with their comfort and audience expectations.
As promotions for “Lips Hips Kiss” continue, many are watching to see if KISS OF LIFE and S2 Entertainment further review the performance and how honestly they engage with the ongoing criticism, according to the Times of India.
