For the four members of Kiss of Life—Julie, Belle, Natty, and Haneul—every stop on their Kiss Road Tour has been a whirlwind of energy, excitement, and electric performances. But it’s not just about the songs; it’s about creating a raw, visceral experience that fans won’t forget. And so far, it’s working.
When the group hit the stage at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on November 22, all eyes were on them. Before the lights even dimmed, group leader Julie, 24, set the tone for the night: “I don’t want anyone to think about anything else but us.” A simple yet powerful request, and as the music began, it was clear that Julie’s words weren’t just a statement—they were a declaration of the kind of performance Kiss of Life wanted to bring to their Kiss Road Tour.
The four-member K-pop girl group has been steadily climbing the ranks since their debut in July 2023, releasing five EPs and gathering millions of Spotify listeners. With “Sticky,” the group made their debut on the Billboard Global 200, an achievement they never expected to see so quickly. “It’s been go, go, go,” says Julie. “We’ve gotten so many great opportunities to continue pursuing our music and continue coming out with one song after another.”
But it’s not just the music that’s driving the buzz around Kiss of Life. It’s their fearless, unapologetic approach to performances and their deep connection with their fans—the Kissys—who have become the lifeblood of their rapidly growing success.
One of the most talked-about moments of their live shows is the “Kissy Chair.” A fan-favorite segment during their sultry hit “Nobody Knows,” the band selects a fan from the audience to sit in a chair as the group performs a steamy dance routine up close and personal. It’s a bold, in-your-face move that has gone viral, with fan-filmed footage spreading like wildfire across TikTok.
“We wanted to make this tour super raw and real,” says Julie. “We were like, ‘What can we do to make this concert wild, crazy, hot, and sexy?’ So we thought, ‘Why not bring one of our fans up on stage and dance super close in front of them?’” It’s a moment that perfectly encapsulates Kiss of Life’s unrestrained, fearless approach to both their music and their performances.
And fans? They’re eating it up. The Kissys give back just as much as they get, matching the group’s energy when they perform their popular tracks like “Igloo.” The B-side from their latest EP, Lose Yourself, has become a fan anthem, and when Haneul leads the group in the iconic sunglasses flick during the chorus, the audience knows exactly what to do. “When we perform ‘Igloo,’ all of our fans in America bring out the sunglasses,” Haneul shares with a smile. “It was so cool.”
Though Kiss of Life’s American tour is a major milestone in their career, the path to this moment has been anything but easy. Belle, 20, is especially excited to return to Seattle on December 12, her hometown, where she lived for eight years before moving to South Korea. “The fact that I was born there really makes performing there feel so special,” she says. “I’m so happy to feel the energy of Seattle Kissys. Some of our family members are coming too—my cousin, my aunties maybe.”
And then there’s Natty, 22, whose journey to debut was far longer than most people know. A former trainee under SM and JYP Entertainment, Natty spent nearly a decade in training before she finally joined Kiss of Life. “There were so many times I wanted to quit,” Natty admits, “but I pushed through because I wanted to show everyone my true colors and musicality.” Her perseverance is a testament to the passion that drives this group, and it’s paying off in big ways.
Despite the overwhelming success of their Kiss Road Tour, the group is looking ahead, excited to show even more of themselves in the future. Julie hopes the world will eventually see the more “deep” and “intelligent” side of Kiss of Life. “It’s super good that fans see us as cool, confident, fun, and sexy,” she says. “But we really want to show our other side too.”
All four members actively participate in writing and producing their own music, something they’re deeply passionate about. Their creative freedom is something they don’t take lightly. “Because we have the skills and ability to pursue what we want to do, that’s a very big merit for us,” Julie explains. “That’s why we’re able to tell the company exactly what we want to do.”
And when it comes to creating a hit song, they know it right away. “We have good taste,” Belle says with a grin, a simple yet confident statement that speaks to the group’s undeniable chemistry and intuitive understanding of their own artistry.
Kiss of Life’s journey is just beginning, and with the Kiss Road Tour in full swing, there’s no telling just how far these K-pop stars will go. One thing is for sure—the Kissys are in for one unforgettable ride.
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