KISS OF LIFE Received Negative Comments Due To Bad Live Singing Performance

At the end of June, KISS OF LIFE joined the music race with the MV “Sticky.” Embracing the summer trend, “Sticky” is a lively, hot, and festive song. KISS OF LIFE “went big” with a 100-degree hot MV featuring eye-catching choreography and stunning body displays. However, their bold comeback faced mixed reactions, with some viewers finding their image and choreography provocative and suggestive.

Despite being dubbed “BLACKPINK 2.0” and having high expectations, the group couldn’t escape the “live singing crisis.”

Though controversial, “Sticky” became a successful song for the group. After their performance at Waterbomb, KISS OF LIFE made a significant impact. “Sticky” continuously climbed the charts, reaching the top 10 on MelOn. The song also trended across Asia. KISS OF LIFE won their first music show trophy thanks to “Sticky.”

From their song “Midas Touch,” KISS OF LIFE gained attention from the K-pop fan community. With “Sticky,” the group officially shed their “nugu” (unknown) status. The four-member lineup, with its consistent visuals and diverse, attractive concepts, has been highly praised. At times, the group was even compared to their seniors, BLACKPINK, and were affectionately called the “2.0 version” of the global girl group by Korean fans.

Debuting in September 2023 with members Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul under S2 Entertainment, the group comprises members who have trained at major companies like The Black Label, JYP, and SM. KISS OF LIFE was highly anticipated for their talent. Amidst the “live singing crisis” affecting new-generation groups in K-pop, KISS OF LIFE was seen as an exception.

However, recently, KISS OF LIFE sparked controversy due to their live performance shortcomings. In two encore stages for “Sticky,” the group’s live singing was rated poorly. The four members’ voices trembled continuously, and they struggled to hit high notes. Even without strenuous dancing, KISS OF LIFE experienced frequent vocal cracks. Bella, the main vocal who “carries” the group, also showed weaknesses during the encore stage on Show Champion.

On K-pop forums, netizens fervently discussed KISS OF LIFE’s singing abilities. A post titled “I don’t think KISS OF LIFE is talented” went viral, garnering over 80,000 views. In the post, the author scrutinized KISS OF LIFE’s live singing skills and offered harsh critiques.

“They had two encore performances and both were quite bad. Fans defended them by saying they were in poor condition and very nervous after their first win. For the second time, fans attributed their weak singing to a hectic schedule.

I’m sure all groups winning music shows are busy. Are they saying KISS OF LIFE is particularly busy? I don’t believe it. This group has benefited the most from the recent controversy over live singing skills, but I think they are the weakest among the three groups that have benefited,” the post read.

KISS OF LIFE is receiving negative feedback due to their two encore crisis performances. People are becoming skeptical of the previous positive reviews of KISS OF LIFE. The group, promoted as the “new generation BLACKPINK,” was praised for their vocal, rap, dance, and songwriting skills.

However, with their latest performance, KISS OF LIFE has disappointed. Some even argue that KISS OF LIFE is overrated and does not live up to their reputation. Comparisons with BABYMONSTER and NMIXX suggest that KISS OF LIFE is not in the same league.

Currently, social media is flooded with mixed opinions about KISS OF LIFE’s live singing abilities:

• “They are talented but not at the level of BABYMONSTER and NMIXX. I think they would also be disliked if they claimed to be the successors of BLACKPINK.”
• “I don’t think people would care if they didn’t advertise themselves as highly skilled. But again, I’m not sure they would succeed as much without doing that.”
• “It’s not that they lack skills, but they don’t have enough skills to promote themselves as a highly skilled group… I don’t think any group is better than NMIXX… I thought they were on par with NMIXX because people kept praising them, and I was shocked when I heard them.”
• “Everyone winning music shows is busy.”
• “It’s funny that they went viral after LE SSERAFIM’s Coachella disaster, only to find out that they also lack skills.”
• “Does KISS OF LIFE have that many haters?”

Source: K14