Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul, all 4 members of S2 Leisure’s rookie woman group, needed to publicly apologise after the group posted a controversial birthday livestream that many followers discovered offensive and racially insensitive. The backlash was so intense that KISS OF LIFE misplaced over 200,000 followers on social media. The Okay-pop group has now shared a handwritten observe on their official Instagram account, taking accountability for his or her actions whereas additionally clarifying that they weren’t making an attempt to be racist whereas dancing to 50 Cent’s In da Membership. “We love hip hop,” they wrote, “however we took the idea too far.” The group admitted they’ve been occupied with their actions and have realised the content material was culturally insensitive. “We take full accountability for our actions,” they added, “and may solely promise to do higher.”
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KISS OF LIFE ‘culturally insensitive’ livestream and the backlash
On March 29, the Okay-pop woman group hosted a livestream occasion with followers to have fun their eldest member Julie’s birthday. They had been wearing what they referred to as an “old style hip-hop” model, together with cornrows, Bantu knots, gold chains, and rapped slang-filled freestyles. However it didn’t land the best way they anticipated. As a substitute, the livestream was rapidly labelled as cultural appropriation, with viewers mentioning how the outfits and behavior performed into dangerous stereotypes, particularly of Black tradition. One member was even jokingly referred to as “Lil Taco Belle.” Many additionally identified their use of a standard African coiffure from the Zulu Kingdom of Southern Africa, slamming the group with accusations of racism on social media. The backlash was rapid. Netizens and followers, particularly worldwide ones, demanded the video be taken down.
The timing of the controversy couldn’t have been worse, because it got here simply when BLACKPINK’s Kim Jennie sparked outrage for together with a racial slur whereas overlaying Black artists’ songs throughout their pre-debut period. The footage was leaked by an alleged former YG Leisure worker.
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The group’s company, S2 Leisure, tried to downplay the backlash earlier, saying the idea was meant as a tribute to hip-hop. “The content material was produced based mostly on an old-school hip-hop model… however we didn’t realise it could possibly be perceived as reinforcing stereotypes,” the assertion learn. The ‘Completely satisfied JULIE Day’ reside video might now not be discovered on YouTube on the time of writing. Later, when the backlash grew, they launched a full assertion apologising on behalf of the members. “We sincerely apologise for inflicting discomfort to our viewers,” the company stated. “Our members and our crew promise to strategy cultural references with higher warning and respect shifting ahead, and all associated content material has been faraway from all of our channels. Thanks.” However followers weren’t satisfied. They needed the members to take accountability personally and never cover behind an organization discover.
Second apology comes too late for a lot of
KISS OF LIFE lastly posted a handwritten apology from all 4 members on April 5. “To all our kissys (official fandom title). We actually need to sincerely apologise for the content material. that was uploaded that brought about a lot disappointment to our followers. We’ve got to appear calm on the surface, however the time main as much as this letter has actually been laborious. Though we needed to and may’ve addressed this Sooner. we’re taking the primary alternative to deal with it now.”
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The members clarified that their intention behind selecting the theme tune and their look was to pay tribute to old style hip hop, explaining the way it has influenced their music total, however they admitted they had been unsuitable. “We all know that there’s nothing we are able to say or do that may magically repair the error we made. The one factor we are able to promise is that we’ll proceed to teach ourselves and present our sincerity via our actions slightly than phrases.” They urged followers to face by them throughout this tough time. Regardless of the apology, followers aren’t able to forgive. Social media criticised Haneul and Belle for posting selfies as if nothing had occurred. Remark sections had been flooded with indignant messages: “You may faux nothing occurred, however your abroad followers aren’t going to let this go,” one remark learn. “We supported you since debut. That is the way you deal with us?” “Apologise or just disband.”
