KISS OF LIFE Faces Backlash After Controversial Collab with YouTuber IShowSpeed

The collaboration between KISS OF LIFE and popular YouTube channel IShowSpeed, hosted by Darren Watkins Jr., sparked a considerable amount of backlash from netizens. During their appearance, the girl group engaged in casual conversation, learned new choreography, and witnessed Watkins demonstrate his impressive acrobatic abilities.

Despite some fans enjoying the surprising collaboration, a majority expressed their disapproval. Watkins, notorious for his controversial image and inflammatory remarks, sparked concern among netizens over the choice to showcase KISS OF LIFE on his channel.

Memories of April recorded with a film camera📸 Let’s continue to be with M2 in May❣ #M2inApril #M2film #RelayDanceAgain #KISSOFLIFE #KissofLife @KISSOFLIFE_S2 pic.twitter.com/v8QjhKye4f

— MPD (@M2MPD) April 30, 2024

KISS OF LIFE/Darren Watkins Jr., (Photo : Youtube (SS capture))

The intention of the partnership was to expand the group’s fanbase, however, it received criticism from many fans due to Watkins’ past.

One netizen commented, “I need the staff that organized this fired.”

I need the staff that organised this fired pic.twitter.com/YaVlWlZS1F

— rainedae ❀༉˚ (@haIachoi) May 13, 2024

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I hate their company for this. His audience is not the attention they need https://t.co/tN22ErVZpz

— ExTeenageRobot Redux (@girllwithluv) May 13, 2024

proof that s2 doesnt understand kiss of life’s stan demographic this just pisses me off https://t.co/SrJiYSi8D0

— ً (@kiofkr) May 13, 2024

this just pissed me off considering how creepy he is https://t.co/L9XoIzxuaB

— chichi🐰 (@KlRAKUNI) May 13,

The backlash grew stronger as fans remembered Watkins’ previous actions towards another girl group, NewJeans. In January, a video resurfaced showing Watkins making inappropriate remarks about the members in a reaction video that has since been deleted, causing fans to report him to HYBE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0CBsSbPmsQ

Ishowspeed Reaction New Jeans Super Shy Full Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0CBsSbPmsQ)

This history has had a lasting impact, and fans were infuriated that KISS OF LIFE’s management would allow a similar collaboration, just in case.

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Although Watkins’ regular viewers may have found his behavior in the video to be “tame”, fans of KISS OF LIFE are still not satisfied. They are concerned about the potential negative effects on the girl group’s image because of Watkins’ controversial reputation. Even some of Watkins’ followers have noticed a change in his demeanor during the collaboration.

Why is he allowed near any idols after the whole NewJeans incident??? https://t.co/yaqUFSOExz

— Nate 🐶 (@bobayel) May 13, 2024

One fan voiced their frustration, saying, “Even though his behavior was better than usual, it doesn’t excuse the poor judgment in allowing this collaboration.”

The controversy has prompted demands for responsibility to be taken by the management of KISS OF LIFE. Supporters are encouraging the company to exercise more caution in their promotional techniques and to carefully consider the potential consequences of these partnerships in the future.