KISS OF LIFE Members Profile: The Untold Story Behind Their Stunning Debut

KISS OF LIFE members burst onto the K-pop scene with their multinational lineup, bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. The four-member girl group, officially debuting on July 5, 2023, under S2 Entertainment, consists of Julie (American), Natty (Thai), Belle (Korean-American), and Haneul (Korean). Their name symbolizes their ambitious goal to "breathe a new life into the music industry with their music and charm."

Since their debut with their self-titled mini album, the KISS OF LIFE profile has gained significant attention, with their EP peaking on the Circle Album Chart. Additionally, their first single album "Midas Touch," released on April 3, 2024, showcased their continued growth in the industry. The KISS OF LIFE debut journey was actually announced months earlier, on December 27, 2022, when S2 Entertainment revealed plans to introduce a group with unique charm distinct from existing girl groups. Certainly, their diverse backgrounds and training experiences have shaped their artistic direction, drawing influence from notable acts like Blackpink, 2NE1, Ariana Grande, and SZA.

The group has already announced their first world tour, "Kiss Road," scheduled from October to December 2024, with shows across South Korea, the United States, and Canada. Their dedicated fandom, aptly named "KISSY," continues to grow as more fans discover these talented performers and their distinctive approach to K-pop.

The meaning behind the name 'KISS OF LIFE'

The origin of a K-pop group's name often reveals much about their artistic vision and mission. Behind the moniker "KISS OF LIFE" lies a thoughtful concept that perfectly encapsulates what these four talented performers aim to accomplish in the music industry.

Drawing inspiration from the life-saving emergency procedure, the group's name directly references the mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration method commonly known as CPR. This medical technique literally breathes new life into those in danger—a powerful metaphor for what the group hopes to achieve musically. According to their agency S2 Entertainment, the name was specifically chosen to represent their ambition to "breathe a new life into the music industry with their music and charm".

In interviews, the members have expanded on this symbolism. Julie, the group's leader, explained their philosophy: "The meaning behind Kiss of Life is that we want to be a breath of fresh air to everyone". This refreshing approach extends beyond just their musical style to encompass their entire message as artists.

Moreover, the group's name carries deeper significance related to their artistic themes. Their concepts deliberately revolve around different stages of life, particularly focusing on adolescence and young adulthood. This thoughtful approach allows them to explore the complexities of growing up through their music and performances. The KISS OF LIFE members have established a strong conceptual foundation that gives their work coherence and purpose.

Beyond just revitalizing the industry, the group also embraces a powerful message about authenticity. "We want to deliver the message that it's okay not to be perfect. There's beauty that comes from imperfection," Julie has stated. This philosophy reflects their desire to break from the often perfectionist image associated with K-pop idols and instead champion genuine self-expression.

Fans have embraced the group's name, often using the shortened version "KIOF" when discussing the group online. This abbreviation has become part of the fandom vocabulary as supporters connect with the group's fresh approach to music and performance.

The KISS OF LIFE members profile is further enhanced by this meaningful name, as it positions them as innovators within the industry. Their self-described mission to revitalize the K-pop scene, particularly as representatives of the emerging 5th generation of K-pop artists, demonstrates their awareness of their place within the broader musical landscape.

Throughout their career thus far, the group has stayed true to this naming concept. Their performances, music videos, and overall artistic direction consistently reflect their desire to bring something new and vibrant to the table. From their debut EP to their evolving discography, the KISS OF LIFE members positions themselves as musical resuscitators, breathing new energy into familiar forms.

The name ultimately serves as both a promise to fans and a reminder to the members themselves about their artistic purpose. As they continue to develop their sound and image, the concept of bringing "new life" remains at the core of everything they create. This consistent vision helps unite the KISS OF LIFE members profile into a cohesive artistic entity rather than just a collection of individual performers.

How the group was formed: Pre-debut journey

The formation of KISS OF LIFE represents a fascinating convergence of diverse talents and backgrounds, each member bringing unique experiences to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Early training and agency background

Behind the scenes, KISS OF LIFE's journey began at S2 Entertainment, a relatively small South Korean entertainment company that would become the launchpad for these talented performers. In December 2022, several members were featured in a documentary about K-pop trainees, offering a glimpse into their preparation process. By December 27th of that year, S2 Entertainment officially announced plans to debut a new girl group in 2023. Subsequently, in February 2023, the company applied to trademark the name "KISS OF LIFE" and established social media accounts for the upcoming group.

The official member reveals occurred systematically in May 2023: Natty on May 15th, Belle on May 16th, Julie on May 17th, and finally Haneul on May 18th. Throughout their training, the members maintained a rigorous schedule. As Julie described it, "A day in the life of a trainee - basically, we just wake up, and right until we go to sleep we're together 24/7." This intensive preparation included dance lessons, rap lessons, vocal lessons, and live performance training.

Natty's solo debut and survival show history

Among the KISS OF LIFE members, Natty had perhaps the most visible pre-debut journey. Born in Bangkok, Thailand, she moved to Korea at just 10 years old after passing auditions for both JYP and SM Entertainment. At 13, she participated in the 2015 Mnet survival show Sixteen, which eventually formed TWICE. Despite impressing viewers with her skills, she was eliminated in the final round.

Undeterred, Natty competed in another survival show, Idol School in 2017, which created fromis_9. Once again, she reached the final episode but placed 13th, just shy of making the nine-member group. Following these experiences, Natty made her solo debut under Swing Entertainment on May 7, 2020, with the single "Nineteen," followed by "Teddy Bear" later that year. She ultimately signed with S2 Entertainment in July 2022.

Belle's songwriting experience

Before joining KISS OF LIFE, Belle established herself as a talented songwriter. Born in Seattle to a musical family (her father is Korean singer Shim Shin), Belle developed her passion early. "Since I was very young, I had a huge passion for singing and writing songs," she explained. Inspired by artists like Ariana Grande and Chet Baker, Belle taught herself to read sheet music and use production software.

Her talents led her to work as a songwriter for SM Entertainment while still in high school. Her impressive portfolio includes compositions for LE SSERAFIM's "Unforgiven," (G)I-DLE Miyeon's "Softly" and "Charging," and background vocals for NCT Mark's "Child." Belle's songwriting prowess was recognized just days after KISS OF LIFE's debut when she won the Proud Korean Grand Prize in the composer category at the 2023 Korea Best Brand Awards.

Julie's time at The Black Label

Hawaii-born Julie moved to South Korea at age 13 to pursue her dreams. In December 2017, she became a trainee at The Black Label, a sub-label of YG Entertainment, through an audition by Def Dance Academy. She trained there from 2017 to 2020, developing the skills that would later define her as KISS OF LIFE's leader and main rapper.

Interestingly, Julie and Natty had trained together previously before their paths temporarily diverged. After leaving their previous company, they hoped to find an agency that would accept them as a duo—a wish granted when S2 Entertainment signed them together.

Haneul's late entry and rapid growth

As the maknae (youngest) of KISS OF LIFE, Haneul had the shortest training period—just over a year—but demonstrated remarkable growth. Born and raised in South Korea, she was inspired to become an idol after seeing SISTAR perform live at a soccer stadium.

Initially shy and uncertain about her identity as an artist, Haneul credits her fellow members for her development. "My members have really shaped me," she acknowledged. "I felt like I didn't have a distinct color before I met them or came into this company, but after meeting the members and learning from them, I'm finding my individuality."

The official debut: July 5, 2023

After months of anticipation and strategic teaser releases, the KISS OF LIFE members officially stepped into the spotlight on July 5, 2023. Their highly anticipated debut marked the beginning of what would become an impressive journey in the K-pop industry.

Debut EP and title track

The group's first release came in the form of their self-titled mini album "KISS OF LIFE," featuring six tracks that showcased both their collective talent and individual strengths. The EP was headlined by the title track "Shhh," a captivating song with an addictive instrumental that perfectly introduced the group's sound to the world.

This debut collection provided a comprehensive musical introduction, balancing group performances with solo expressions. In addition to "Shhh," the mini album contained "Bye My Neverland," an emotionally resonant B-side track that further displayed their vocal capabilities. Notably, on June 27, the music video for "Bye My Neverland" was released as a pre-debut gift to fans, followed by the teaser for "Shhh" on July 3.

The EP's structure uniquely highlighted each member's artistic identity:

"Shhh (쉿)" - 3:02 (Title track)
"Bye My Neverland (안녕,네버랜드)" - 3:23
"Sugarcoat" (Natty solo) - 2:59
"Countdown" (Belle solo) - 2:51
"Kitty Cat" (Julie solo) - 2:50
"Play Love Games" (Haneul solo) - 3:00

Solo pre-release tracks

Interestingly, before their collective debut, each KISS OF LIFE member received individual spotlight moments through solo tracks. This strategic approach allowed fans to connect with each performer's unique style and personality.

The solo rollout began with Natty's "Sugarcoat" on June 18, a slinky '90s R&B number that would later gain significant attention—even receiving praise from BTS's RM. The track perfectly showcased Natty's preference for blending R&B with Y2K-style aesthetics. As she later revealed in an interview with Dazed magazine, "I had no idea that my solo song would receive so much attention... When I received the demo for this song, I immediately thought, 'This is crazy good. This song is mine no matter what!'"

Subsequently, Belle's "Countdown" was released, displaying her songwriting prowess through a funky pop song she co-wrote and produced. Julie's "Kitty Cat" followed, an unapologetic hip-hop track that established her confident presence. Finally, Haneul completed the solo releases with "Play Love Games," a playful anthem that cleverly interpolated "Take Me Out To The Ballgame."

First showcase and media reception

Simultaneously with their digital debut, the group held their first press showcase at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul on the afternoon of July 5. This event provided media and industry professionals their first comprehensive look at the KISS OF LIFE members' profiles and performance capabilities.

The showcase highlighted not only their musical talents but furthermore their stage presence and cohesion as a group. Their mature charms and performance skills immediately caught attention, setting them apart from other rookie groups.

Haneul later reflected on their debut promotions in an interview: "I can't believe that we will finish our promotions for our 1st mini album soon. In a span of a little less than a month, my life has changed dramatically, and while I'm happy to have grown as an individual, I'm sad that it's already coming to an end."

The group's debut made a significant impression, with their EP peaking on the Circle Album Chart. Their distinct R&B-influenced sound, coupled with strong visual concepts and performance capabilities, established them as promising newcomers in the increasingly competitive K-pop landscape. The KISS OF LIFE members' positions within the group—Julie as leader, Natty as dance powerhouse, Belle as vocalist/composer, and Haneul as the youngest with a strong voice—were clearly defined through their debut material, setting the stage for their continued growth.

Meet the members of KISS OF LIFE

Behind the captivating performances of KISS OF LIFE stands four uniquely talented individuals, each bringing distinct strengths to the group. Together, they create a dynamic team that blends diverse musical backgrounds and performance styles.

Julie – Leader and all-rounder

Born in Hawaii on March 29, 2000, Julie serves as the charismatic leader of KISS OF LIFE. With her American background and relocation to South Korea at age 13, she developed a multicultural perspective that benefits her leadership style. Julie's journey began with ballet training in middle school before joining The Black Label in December 2017 through an audition at Def Dance Academy.

Her versatility shines through her positions as main rapper and lead dancer, while her stable vocal skills demonstrate her all-round capabilities. Despite her small frame, Julie delivers powerful, precise movements enhanced by her ballet background. Straightaway recognizable by her feline-like appearance with large eyes on a small, round face, fellow member Natty once described Julie's smile as the "gateway to becoming a KISS OF LIFE fan."

Natty – Dance powerhouse

Thai-born Natty (May 30, 2002) has established herself as one of the premier dancers of her generation. Prior to joining KISS OF LIFE, she participated in survival shows like Sixteen and Idol School, ultimately making her solo debut in 2020 with "Nineteen" before redebuting with the group in 2023.

Her dance skills have earned widespread praise, primarily through her solo pre-release "Sugarcoat" and the satisfying execution of the dance break in "Shhh." Consequently, netizens have consistently acknowledged her exceptional abilities, with many considering her among the top dancers of the new generation.

Belle – Vocalist and composer

Korean-American Belle (March 20, 2004) brings exceptional vocal and compositional talents to KISS OF LIFE. As the daughter of famous South Korean singer Shim Shin, music runs in her blood. Impressively, Belle worked as a songwriter for SM Entertainment while still in high school, writing for LE SSERAFIM's "Unforgiven" and (G)I-DLE Miyeon's "Softly."

Just ten days after debut, Belle won the "Proud Korean Grand Prize" in the composer category at the 2023 Korea Best Brand Awards. Indeed, her creative contributions extend to KISS OF LIFE's music, including their debut track "Shhh" and her solo "Countdown."

Haneul – The youngest with a strong voice

As the maknae (youngest member) born on May 25, 2005, Haneul underwent the shortest training period—just over a year—yet displays remarkable talent. Originally from Suwon, South Korea, she auditioned with Jessie J's "Domino" and Lee Hi's "My Love" after being inspired by seeing SISTAR perform.

Standing tall at 169cm, Haneul serves as lead vocalist, impressing audiences with her deep verses, high notes, and ad-libs. Undoubtedly, her greatest strength lies in her stable live performances, maintaining vocal consistency while dancing energetically.

KISS OF LIFE members profile and positions

The detailed profile of KISS OF LIFE members reveals a fascinating blend of talents, backgrounds, and personalities that contribute to their distinctive identity as a group. Let's examine the precise details that define each member's role within this dynamic quartet.

Age and birthday of each member

Each KISS OF LIFE member represents a different birth year, creating a balanced age distribution within the group. Julie, born March 29, 2000, is the eldest at 25 years old. Natty follows as the second-oldest, born May 30, 2002, making her 23 years old. Belle, born March 20, 2004, is 21 years old, whereas Haneul, born May 25, 2005, is the maknae (youngest) at 20 years old.

Interestingly, the group features two Geminis (Natty and Haneul), one Aries (Julie), and one Pisces (Belle). Regarding height, they showcase a progressive pattern: Julie stands at 163 cm, Natty at 167 cm, Belle at 168 cm, and Haneul as the tallest at 169 cm.

Official positions in the group

The KISS OF LIFE members' positions are strategically assigned to maximize their individual strengths. Julie serves as the group's Leader, Main Rapper, and Lead Dancer. Her leadership position naturally complements her status as the eldest member.

Natty holds the positions of Main Dancer and Lead Rapper, occasionally contributing as a Sub-Vocalist. Her extensive pre-debut experience makes her dance expertise particularly valuable to the group's performance quality.

Belle primarily functions as the Main Vocalist, utilizing her strong musical background and compositional skills to enhance the group's vocal arrangements.

Haneul, regardless of being the youngest, takes on the responsibility of Lead Vocalist, demonstrating impressive vocal stability during performances.

MBTI types and fun facts

The personality profiles of KISS OF LIFE members offer insights into their interpersonal dynamics. Julie and Belle share the ENFP (Campaigner) personality type, characterized by outgoing, open-minded attitudes and a desire for meaningful connections. These personalities typically embrace big ideas and actions reflecting hope and goodwill toward others.

Natty initially tested as INFJ (Advocate) but later updated to INFP, suggesting she possesses thoughtfulness, imagination, and principled idealism—rare qualities that help her make a distinctive mark.

Haneul originally tested as ESTJ (Executive) but some sources list her as ENTJ, indicating strong leadership qualities, sensible judgment, and an ability to offer solid direction amid adversity.

Essentially, each member has unique representative symbols: Julie uses 🐱/🐰 as her emoji and red/orange as her color; Natty uses 🖤 with purple/black; Belle uses 🧚 with pink; and Haneul uses 🦋/☁️ with blue.

The rise to fame: From debut to first win

From talented rookies to recognized stars, the KISS OF LIFE members rapidly ascended the K-pop hierarchy after their debut. Their journey from newcomers to award-winning artists unfolded at an impressive pace, defying the typical trajectory for groups from smaller agencies.

Breakthrough with 'Sticky'

After releasing their first single album "Midas Touch" in April 2024, the group made a strategic summer comeback with the digital single "Sticky" on July 1, 2024. This Afrobeat-influenced track marked a significant departure from their previous hip-hop and retro-inspired releases. Julie described the concept as "refreshing" and "about (the group) being brighter and happy," contrasting with their established "strong and intense image based on hip-hop sounds".

The gamble paid off magnificently. "Sticky" climbed to #87 on Billboard's Global 200 and reached the 9th position on Melon's TOP 10 rankings, solidifying their reputation as "Summer Queens." The music video, filmed in Warsaw, Poland, garnered over 10 million views in just four days after release.

First music show win

A historic milestone arrived on July 9, 2024, when KISS OF LIFE secured their first-ever music show win on SBS M's "The Show" with "Sticky". Competing against NCT WISH's "Songbird" and Lee Chae Yeon's "Don't," the group emerged victorious with an impressive 7,900 points.

This achievement came almost exactly one year after their debut, marking the culmination of twelve months of steady growth and persistent effort. The group earned a second win with "Get Loud" on October 29, 2024, accumulating 6,552 points.

Global recognition and fanbase growth

Remarkably, KISS OF LIFE connected with fans in over 115 countries through their official website. Their global fandom showed strongest representation in:

South Korea and Japan
United States, Taiwan, and Thailand
Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, and the Philippines
United Kingdom, Brazil, and France

The average number of views on their official website surged by more than 300% since early 2024. This international appeal culminated in numerous achievements, markedly their recognition at major award shows. The group received nominations for Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Best New Female Artist at the 2023 Mnet Asian Music Awards, ultimately winning Rookie of the Year at the 2024 Korean Music Awards.

Challenges and controversies faced

Despite their rapid rise in the K-pop industry, the KISS OF LIFE members faced a significant challenge in April 2025 that tested their growing popularity and public image.

Cultural appropriation backlash

The controversy erupted on April 2, 2025, during a YouTube livestream celebrating Julie's 25th birthday. The members chose "old-school hip hop vibes" as their theme, appearing in attire stereotypically associated with the genre. Throughout the broadcast, the group wore oversized chains, snapback hats, cornrows, and large hoop earrings. Belle donned makeup associated with Latina stereotypes and was introduced as "Lil Taco Belle," whereas Natty was presented as "NT" and Haneul as "Bob Sky." They additionally displayed a photo of three Black men as inspiration for their outfits and lip-synced to 50 Cent's "In Da Club."

The livestream immediately sparked outrage among fans. Many viewed their actions as cultural mockery, with one viral post stating: "Dressing up as Black people like we're Halloween costumes, while indulging in exaggerated stereotypes? This wasn't accidental. They sat down, planned this, and got dressed."

Response and public apology

S2 Entertainment swiftly removed the content from all channels and issued an initial statement apologizing for "causing discomfort" and promising more careful approach to cultural references. However, fans demanded accountability from the members themselves.

On April 5, the KISS OF LIFE members posted a handwritten apology addressed to their fans. "Our intention was to show how much we loved the category of old school hip hop because it greatly influences our music. While shooting the content, we ended up taking the concept too far," they wrote. The group acknowledged their content was "culturally insensitive" and promised to "continue to educate ourselves."

Impact on group's image

The controversy significantly affected the group's standing. In the immediate aftermath, KISS OF LIFE lost over 200,000 followers across their social media platforms within just three days. Furthermore, in June 2025, organizers announced the group would no longer participate in KCON LA 2025, a decision made after "careful consideration and thorough discussions."

Julie eventually issued a third, more specific apology during a later livestream, directly addressing "the Black and Latino communities" after spending two months reflecting on their actions—an approach many fans had explicitly requested in the wake of their initial apologies.

What makes KISS OF LIFE stand out in K-pop

In a saturated K-pop landscape, KISS OF LIFE members distinguish themselves through a combination of artistic authenticity, nostalgic musical influences, and strategic digital presence.

Musical style and influences

At their core, KISS OF LIFE embraces a musical identity deeply rooted in R&B and hip-hop. Belle explains, "We were naturally born with these talents but we also invested a lot of time and effort to develop ourselves as K-pop artists". Their sound draws from early 2000s pop music, creating what critics describe as "modernizing the 00s pop sound (Britney Spears, in particular), and added a wrinkle by merging the pop elements of the era with a splash of New Jack Swing influence".

Unlike many contemporaries, the group actively participates in creating their music. "We were created as a group that produces its own music. We wrote songs even before our debut and that's how we came up with our debut lead track 'Shhh'". This creative involvement extends across their discography, with their fourth mini-album '224' featuring "a variety of genres including R&B hip-hop, disco, and acoustic ballads".

Visual and performance concepts

Visually, KISS OF LIFE members profile showcases a mature aesthetic that complements their sound. Their concepts deliberately revolve around "different stages of life, adolescence and young adulthood", creating a thematic throughline across their work.

On stage, the group opts for minimalism that highlights their technical abilities. "The girls are backed by dancers and a single screen. The minimal setup lets their powerful choreography and stage presence shine".

Fan engagement and branding

Primarily, KISS OF LIFE engages fans through strategic digital content. Their following is "primarily female, international fanbase who prefer to follow the group through short-form video and static posts". In fact, "33.3% and 32.3% of KISS OF LIFE's follower count comes from Instagram and TikTok respectively, while 15.5% comes from Spotify".

The group skillfully leverages these platforms to foster connection. "By producing content in various languages, utilizing subtitles in their music videos, and engaging with international fans through comments and live streams, groups like KISS OF LIFE strategically position themselves on the global stage".