KISS OF LIFE in Hot Water: Plagiarism Allegations Involving ITZY and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo
Following the fallout from a major cultural appropriation controversy — which forced them to withdraw from KCON LA 2025 — rookie girl group KISS OF LIFE is back under public scrutiny. But this time, it’s not about cultural insensitivity. It’s about alleged plagiarism.
As part of the lead-up to their upcoming release 224, the S2 Entertainment group recently dropped a new round of teaser images. While member Julie’s emotional apology during a live broadcast seemed to soften some public backlash, the group’s promotional campaign has sparked fresh criticism online.
The main source of controversy? A set of concept teaser photos showing the members standing atop a bright, white-lit box against a black background. The styling and set design immediately drew comparisons to ITZY’s previous concept for their album KILL MY DOUBT — which featured strikingly similar visuals.
Many netizens found the similarities too specific to be a coincidence. While some fans defended KISS OF LIFE by saying similar aesthetics are common in K-pop, the criticism is amplified by the group’s already tarnished image.
The controversy doesn’t stop there. One teaser featuring member Haneul caught attention for another reason — her outfit and hairstyle bore a striking resemblance to BLACKPINK’s Jisoo in her viral “earthquake” video. Critics accused the group of mimicking Jisoo’s iconic look, sparking yet another debate about originality versus influence in K-pop.
Some netizens argued the similarities might simply reflect Jisoo’s influence in the industry, suggesting that her visual style has become a trendsetter. However, the timing couldn’t be worse for KISS OF LIFE, as they attempt to recover from recent backlash.
As the group gears up for the release of 224, all eyes are on how they — and their agency — respond to these growing concerns. In an industry where concept originality is highly scrutinized, even the smallest misstep can reignite controversy. For KISS OF LIFE, the road to redemption appears steeper than ever.