KISS OF LIFE finds itself in the spotlight after their logo for their upcoming Japanese debut album drew accusations of plagiarism, allegedly mimicking the aesthetic of RIIZE’s “Lucky” era branding.
The controversy erupted after a community post on the Korean forum theqoo highlighted visual similarities between the two logos. The post quickly went viral, amassing over 43,000 views and triggering heated discussion among K-pop fans.
The debate centers around the typography, color scheme, and the use of symbols such as the four-leaf clover and light effects. Critics argue that while elements like elongated letters and pastel shades are common in design, the overlap of multiple features raises concerns.
“Our first Japan debut album is really precious… it’s only right to change it if another group has used it before,” one user lamented, referencing RIIZE’s previous album aesthetics.
“Pink and green are common… But isn’t it a problem if all of these overlap?” another pointed out.
Despite the uproar, the majority of online users defended KISS OF LIFE, claiming the designs were fundamentally different. Many identified as designers or design majors and dismissed the plagiarism claims.
“I’m a designer and they look so different. The only thing that’s the same is the word.”
“I majored in design and this is absolutely different.”
“Not plagiarism at all. Where’s the debate?”
Visual comparisons posted alongside the debate showed that, while both logos may feature a soft aesthetic with overlapping motifs, their composition and design philosophy diverged significantly.
As of now, neither KISS OF LIFE’s agency nor RIIZE’s camp has issued an official statement. However, the debate illustrates the fine line between homage and imitation in the ever-competitive K-pop industry—especially when it comes to visual branding in international markets.
Whether this controversy affects KISS OF LIFE’s Japanese debut remains to be seen, but it has undeniably brought added attention to both groups’ artistic direction.
Sources: Koreaboo
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