Korean netizens shared their thoughts on girl group KISS OF LIFE continuing to face heavy repercussions for their "racism" controversy.
On May 16 EST, 'KCON LA' announced KISS OF LIFE's withdrawal from the upcoming festival lineup as a result of criticism from fans.
Previously in April of this year, the girl group came under fire after member Julie's birthday live broadcast, during which the members impersonated characters created from the theme of "old school hip hop". Many American fans found the members' impersonations offensive, accusing the group of portraying Black culture in a "racist" way.
Acknowledging the severity of the criticism, all 4 members of KISS OF LIFE apologized to fans through handwritten letters. However, many fans did not feel that the apology was "enough".
How are Korean netizens reacting to the prolonged criticism directed toward KISS OF LIFE?
Some comments included:
"Wow I guess KIOF fell hard after that controversy."
"It's the right of the fans to not accept your apology."
"There are 2 Americans in that group, right? If you don't have respect for your own culture, I don't have respect for you."
"I mean, like literally a few days after they apologized, they uploaded selcas with the same outfits on... Were they even sorry at all??"
"I think to Americans, racism is as serious an issue over there as school bullying is in Korea."
"The American fans were serious.. I wish Koreans were as proactive at cancelling people who disrespect Korean culture."
"I didn't realize the overseas fans had turned on them this bad... ouch."
"The way they handled it was just pitiful.. I don't know if they can recover from this."
"We need to be stricter like this on Chinese and Japanese idols disrespecting Korean history and culture."
"I wish overseas fans would also take sensitive issues in Korea more seriously instead of blindly defending their idols..."
"I'm shocked that KISS OF LIFE is actually getting threatened over this.. It's probably best that they don't go through with the stage for their own safety too."
"It's unfortunate, but karma bites.. They were really gaining popularity overseas before that issue too."
"They really messed up bad with that broadcast, but I think it also has to do with the fact that they're Asians, so in the eyes of Americans, they can never be given a second chance to correct their past mistakes.. one mistake and you're better off dead."
"Does this mean KIOF is over???"
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