KISS OF LIFE Removed from KCON LA 2025 Lineup Due to Cultural Appropriation Controversy?

The final line-up for KCON LA 2025 was recently revealed, promising three days of major performances from top K-pop acts like aespa, MONSTA X, and rookie sensations NOWADAYS. Among the names initially announced was KISS OF LIFE a choice that quickly ignited debate.

Backlash erupted online almost immediately after their inclusion was made public, resurfacing earlier criticisms against the group over alleged cultural appropriation during a live broadcast earlier this year. The incident had sparked significant controversy, with some netizens even threatening to organize a “black ocean” protest during their KCON stage a form of silent protest in K-pop fandom culture where the audience turns off their lightsticks.

In response to the growing uproar, KCON USA released a statement on May 16, confirming that KISS OF LIFE will no longer attend KCON LA 2025, stating the decision was made after “careful consideration.”

The announcement drew strong reactions on X (formerly Twitter). Many users expressed relief and praise toward KCON for “listening to the community” and respecting the sentiments of global fans:

However, not everyone was satisfied with how things unfolded. Some criticized the intensity of the backlash, arguing that threats and mob pressure created a toxic environment.

Over on Theqoo, Korean netizens were just as divided. Some users agreed with the decision, saying it would have been “tone-deaf” for the group to perform while the issue remained unresolved. Others expressed fatigue over the controversy, questioning whether the online outrage was proportionate to the original incident.

• Oh wow, so it’s because of the racism issue..
• When it comes to school bullying scandals involving other idols, people are quick to turn a blind eye, but for something like this, they expect the company to apologize, the member to apologize—turning it into an apology fest. If you’re that upset, just leave the fandom. Are you planning to keep bringing it up and harassing them for the rest of their life? Foreign fans are truly evil sometimes, seriously.
• School bullying and racism are different issues. After the incident, the company apologized on their behalf while the members just kept posting selfies—that only made people angrier. I also don’t want to see idols making fun of Koreans.
• It’s probably best for the members not to say anything, at least for their own safety.
• Wait, is it because of that controversy back then?
• Seriously, why did they do that? I just don’t understand.

Whether viewed as a necessary course correction or an unfortunate overreaction, KISS OF LIFE’s withdrawal from** KCON LA** has become a flashpoint in ongoing conversations about cultural sensitivity, fan accountability, and the ever-growing expectations placed on K-pop idols especially those with global ambitions.