KISS OF LIFE Faces Plagiarism Allegations Over New Song “WHAT!”
The K-Pop world is buzzing with controversy as rising star girl group KISS OF LIFE faces a wave of major plagiarism accusations. Netizens are vocally expressing their belief that the group’s latest musical offering bears striking resemblances to the work of SM Entertainment powerhouse aespa, sparking a fierce debate online.
KISS OF LIFE’s “WHAT!” Video Sparks Discussion
The talented quartet, KISS OF LIFE, recently delighted their dedicated fanbase with the release of a special performance video for their popular song “WHAT!” This release was met with initial excitement and anticipation, showcasing the group’s captivating choreography and unique performance style.
However, the excitement quickly turned to scrutiny. When a significant portion of the song was shared online, particularly through fan accounts and short-form content platforms, a storm began to brew within the K-Pop community.
IM SORRY BUT THEYRE TAKING IT pic.twitter.com/qd8bBiKoL8
Accusations Point to aespa’s “Whiplash”
It was unfortunately hit with major plagiarism claims almost immediately, with a significant number of fans and general K-Pop listeners alike asserting that musical and thematic elements were directly copying aespa’s track “Whiplash.” The similarities, according to many, were too pronounced to be a mere coincidence, leading to widespread discussion.
The discourse quickly escalated across various online communities and social media platforms. Netizens shared their unequivocal thoughts on what they described as the blatant plagiarism, pinpointing not only the melodic structure and vocal delivery but also specific aesthetic and thematic aspects found within the music video itself. From particular shots to overall vibe, numerous comparisons were drawn.
oh whiplash ningning ur impact was generational https://t.co/fNKYKPC7Ey
— elly (@doyooing_) August 19, 2026
i know ningning and giselle somewhere having a good laugh at this cause no way they copied them this bad https://t.co/zYxeAuIRJw
— izzy (@allthingsspc) August 20, 2026
This just being a whiplash rehash. Down to the mv https://t.co/MkPyQUkvHF
— jesus would’ve loved csr (@fromisely) August 19, 2026
normally i think kpop stans are reaching when it comes to plagiarism accusations but this is actually insane 😭😭😭 https://t.co/bJTUS48uJr
Visual Comparisons Go Viral
To solidify their claims, one particularly diligent fan even went as far as to share a direct visual comparison of segments from the two videos side by side. This side-by-side edit visually emphasized the alleged similarities, making a strong case for the supposed copying in the eyes of many viewers. The evidence presented in this comparison video quickly went viral, further fueling the ongoing debate.
tbf i was talking more about the similarities in the mv than the song itself 😭 pic.twitter.com/bKDbk2t39D
As the accusations continue to mount, fans eagerly await an official statement or clarification from KISS OF LIFE’s agency regarding these serious allegations. The K-Pop community remains divided, with some defending KISS OF LIFE and others demanding accountability, highlighting the sensitive nature of intellectual property within the competitive industry.
