Analyzing The Genius Debut Of KISS OF LIFE | K-Pop Explained

The K-Pop industry is characterized by a constant influx of talent, with debuts, comebacks, and survival shows dominating the timeline. In 2023 alone, there are a little less than 100 K-Pop acts, including groups and soloists, debuting. Among such a huge number of artists aiming to make an impression, there’s one girl group that has caught the eye of fans all over the world – KISS OF LIFE.

For those who might not know, KISS OF LIFE is a 4-member girl group consisting of members Natty, Belle, HaNeul, and Julie. They are signed to S2 Entertainment and officially made their debut on July 5, 2023, with a self-titled mini-album. “KISS OF LIFE“, the album, consists of 2 group tracks – ‘Shhh’ (title) and ‘Bye My Neverland’ as well as 4 solo tracks – ‘Sugarcoat’ by Natty, ‘Countdown’ by Belle, ‘Kitty Cat’ by Julie and ‘Play Love Games’ by HaNeul.

The name ‘KISS OF LIFE’ is derived from the group’s aim to breathe new life into the K-Pop industry. Needless to say, they are well on their way to achieving this feat. Let’s find out why below!

 

The “KISS OF LIFE” Lore

The KISS OF LIFE saga starts with the music video for ‘Sugarcoat’ followed by ‘Countdown’, ‘Kitty Cat’, and ‘Play Love Games’. Each M/V presents a POV interconnected with the next, whereby we get to know more about the stories of the members in this alternate universe. Next, their worlds collide in the music video for ‘Bye My Neverland’, and finally, in ‘Shhh’, they come together.

So, in essence, every single track on the album got a music video that cinematically led up to the title track and the grand debut. Not only did this give their audience a taste of their musical identity but also allowed them to grow attached to their story ever before their official debut.

‘Sugarcoat’ is a pleasant 90’s R&B/Pop song with a whimsical melody that perfectly complements Natty’s silky, sweet vocals. In the music video, we see Natty as an independent artist devoting her life to music. She is alone with no place to call home but finds solace in her artistic expression – whether that be through busking or dance practice. The lyrics also point to her realistic attitude about life, even more so when she is misunderstood and judged by those around her. When she fatefully comes across an audition pamphlet, she crumples it up because it is nothing but a pipe dream for her.

Next, we come to ‘Countdown’ by Belle – an uplifting and confident track of freeing oneself from the shackles of society and living up to one’s true potential. Belle’s vocal register is truly impressive here – just as powerful in the high notes as in the lower ones, and her technique is as polished as a veteran singer.  The message of self-love and acceptance is conveyed through the lyrics.

In the music video, Belle’s character is introduced as a ballerina with a seemingly happy life and a well-off family. However, behind her smile, she struggles with a sense of suffocation. With her parents’ dreams suppressing her own and the pressures of their expectations smothering her, she has no option but to lock herself in.

However, in moments of liberation when she is alone, Belle revisits her dreams of becoming an idol. Unfortunately, that doesn’t last long when her mother discovers and tears up a KISS OF LIFE poster she had kept hidden. This might be a hint that the four girls used to be in a band before going their own ways for different reasons. Belle finally reaches her tipping point, tired of being a “perfect daughter”. After a physical altercation with her mother, she leaves home, vulnerable but empowered. At the end of both music videos, the girls see the same fireworks in the sky.

Julie’s solo track ‘Kitty Cat’ is hip-hop heavy, and that comes as no surprise since she is the Rapper of the group. It is experimental and bold – much like the music video itself, and Julie’s flow is both unique and appealing. Moreover, the title ‘Kitty Cat’ subverts the idea that women should be tame and submissive. Julie’s character is a rebellious party girl who loves to have fun. She might have a house full of friends, but she doesn’t feel loved. Instead, she is objectified and controlled by those around her. This societal “gaze” becomes too much for her to handle, and she just wants to break free, be young and wild, and follow her dreams.

Finally, ‘Play Love Games’ by HaNeul is a brighter, more playful tune reminiscent of the children’s song ‘Take Me Out To The Ball Game’. HaNeul’s voice is perfectly suited to the bubblegum pop style sound, but the song has layers to it, all of which are masterfully executed by HaNeul. Her character is a rising influencer who pretends to be cheerful and cute on screen. However, in real life, she is reserved, quiet, and constantly anxious every second of the day, worried about how long her shine will last. She feels judgmental eyes on her wherever she goes, so she isolates herself. However, when her classmates seem eager to get along with her after she becomes famous, she gains confidence. Not all is roses and sunshine, though, because peer pressure soon makes her uncomfortable. Notably, HaNeul also sees the fireworks at the end of her music video.

‘Bye My Neverland’ opens with the ending scene of ‘Sugarcoat’, with Natty finally taking on the audition. Belle and Julie cross paths on a stairway; HaNeul poses in a photo booth – the same one from where Natty collected her photos from, and the two later pass each other when Natty adores an outfit from outside a shop, and HaNeul goes in; in a different time, Julie watches Natty busking with a wistful gaze. It is in this music video that we see the moment of the fireworks and how it brings all four members together.

HaNeul picks up the crumpled audition pamphlet left behind by Natty, who runs away from the stage after a fall and is hit by Julie’s car while Belle watches from a distance. The four girls share the same time and space, almost brought together by fate. The “Neverland” this song refers to could be the friendship they once had, and ‘Shhh’ returns them to each other.

‘Shhh’ epitomizes the power of female friendships and how fulfilling, wholesome, and supportive they can be. These four girls find belonging, strength, and understanding in each other and bloom like flowers in spring. They stand up for each other, hype each other up and thrive in each other’s company. As they grow and heal together, the world around them changes. Everything that seemed hopeless and grey is now filled with vivid color. There’s even a moment in the music video where we see Belle call home and the torn KISS OF LIFE poster is patched back up, signifying how Belle’s family might have accepted her as she is. Thus, KISS OF LIFE is formed.

Interestingly, the music video for the title track ‘Shhh’ also features a performance version of the song in the same video. As you listen to the song again and watch the girls perform, it is almost as if you’re watching a continuation of the story, like the sequel to a movie. At the same time, it makes the song even more catchy than it already is and now it’s impossible to get it out of your head. If that’s not a genius move, we don’t know what is!

 

The Individual Strengths Of KISS OF LIFE

It is incredibly rare for a debut mini-album to feature solo tracks by the members. However, when the members are as accomplished as the KISS OF LIFE members, it is a welcome change. Thai member Natty previously debuted as a soloist. She has also appeared on “Sixteen” and “Idol School”, building up a considerable fanbase for herself. Her debut in KISS OF LIFE was highly anticipated and created quite a stir worldwide. While her position is said to be the Main Dancer of KISS OF LIFE, her solo track ‘Sugarcoat’ is a stunning show of her vocal talents.

On the other hand, before debuting as the Main Vocalist of KISS OF LIFE, Belle was active as a songwriter, composer, and producer, having made songs for artists like LE SSERAFIM, (G)I-DLE’s MiYeon, and PURPLE KISS. She also has credits for writing and composing KISS OF LIFE’s ‘Shhh’ and her solo track ‘Countdown’.

Julie was previously a trainee of THE BLACK LABEL and appeared in a documentary about K-Pop idols alongside Natty and Belle. She is the Leader and Rapper of KISS OF LIFE. In addition, Julie also has writing and composition credits for ‘Shhh’ and ‘Bye My Neverland’ by KISS OF LIFE.

HaNeul is the maknae of KISS OF LIFE. She is a polyglot and can speak Korean, English, and Japanese. She also appeared in the same documentary as the rest of the members. Despite being the youngest member of KISS OF LIFE, HaNeul has composition credits for ‘Bye My Neverland’.

Needless to say, this lineup proves that KISS OF LIFE is not only a diverse group when it comes to the members’ nationalities but also their strengths. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Julie shared in the group’s debut showcase that “I think the biggest differentiating factor is that we all have the ability to perform as a solo artist, and our synergy increases even more when we come together as a group“. While this is amply clear from their mini-album “KISS OF LIFE” already, we cannot wait to see more of this self-produced group’s varied charms in the future.

At the end of the day, KISS OF LIFE is a far cry from your usual K-Pop girl group. They’re not shying away from a more mature concept and addressing sensitive issues in their music. Rather than pursuing a picture-perfect image, the group aims to highlight the reality of life and celebrate their journey. As a wind of change in the K-Pop industry, KISS OF LIFE has amazing potential and genuine star power. It will be interesting to see how they evolve and what they have in store for us next.