Kiss of Life couldn’t miss the season that helped define their meteoric rise as K-pop’s ‘summer queens,’ accelerating their latest comeback to deliver a fresh, seasonal anthem.
The Reign of Summer Queens & Accelerated Comeback
For most K-pop groups, a four-month gap between releases would be considered a rapid comeback. For Kiss of Life, it was simply too important not to miss the summer.
The powerhouse quartet returned Tuesday with their third single, “Sweat,” a mere four months after captivating fans with “Who is She.” During a joint interview in Seoul on Wednesday, the members shared that they deliberately fast-tracked preparations to fully embrace the vibrant season that has become synonymous with their group’s unique identity.
“We’ve always released music that fits the summer, so we wanted to prepare quickly and return with something everyone can enjoy during the season,” Belle explained, highlighting their commitment to their signature sound.
Summer has undeniably become a defining chapter in Kiss of Life’s blossoming career. Their electrifying track “Sticky,” unleashed in July 2024, soared to become the group’s breakthrough hit. It not only secured Kiss of Life their inaugural music show win but also paved the way for them to clinch the prestigious Korean Music Awards’ rookie of the year honor, firmly cementing their reputation as one of K-pop’s most exciting emerging “summer queens.” Even their impactful debut single “Shhh,” now recognized as one of their most successful releases, made its grand entrance in July 2023. This consistent alignment with the summer months has crafted a powerful brand identity.
“Sweat”: A Fusion of Sound and Soul
This inherent seasonal identity profoundly shaped the group’s latest musical direction. “Sweat” is a dynamic fusion, blending infectious Afro-house rhythms with the passionate flair of Latin pop influences. The members felt these vibrant genres perfectly matched Kiss of Life’s powerful performance style and inherent charisma.
“We thought the passionate feel of Latin pop really suits our color,” Belle shared, her voice radiating enthusiasm. “The rhythmic groove of Afrobeats is also something we can express well, making it a perfect fit for us.”
Beyond its undeniably upbeat and dance-inducing sound, Belle revealed that “Sweat” carries a deeply personal and empowering message, inspired by the group’s own challenging yet rewarding journey.
“The phrase that best sums it up is ‘Don’t let them see you sweat,'” she divulged, offering a glimpse into their resilience. “We worked incredibly hard to get where we are today, and that’s what I kept telling myself throughout our trainee years, pushing through every challenge.”
“Of course we want to show only our best side, but we’re not perfect. We also have moments of uncertainty. We wanted to say that even those imperfections can be beautiful, and we hope people can relate to that message of self-acceptance and growth,” Belle added, emphasizing the song’s relatable depth.
Summer Vibes and Festival Anthems
While the song’s core message is heartfelt and introspective, the performance for “Sweat” joyfully embraces the carefree, vibrant energy of summer, inviting listeners to let loose.
Belle recounted how the song instantly conjured vivid imagery for her, bringing to mind “dancing barefoot on the sand beneath a summer sunset.” This captivating vision ultimately served as the guiding inspiration for both the dynamic choreography and the visually stunning music video.
“We even have choreography where we wipe sweat away or flick it off,” she explained, detailing the fun, immersive movements. “It’s simple enough that anyone can follow along, making it perfect for summer parties.”
“If you’re heading to the beach this summer, we hope you’ll dance along to ‘Sweat,’ creating your own unforgettable moments,” Haneul warmly encouraged fans, extending a personal invitation to join the summer celebration.
The B-side track, “What!,” takes the group’s boundless energy in an excitingly different direction, showcasing their versatility.
“It’s an EDM track you can jump and dance to at festivals,” Belle excitedly described. “It’s a side of us we’ve never shown before, and I think it’ll really shine at concerts and large festival stages, getting everyone on their feet.”
Thai member Natty believes this high-octane song will particularly resonate with fans in her vibrant home country, sensing a natural connection.
“The song’s energy really matches Thailand,” she affirmed with a bright smile. “It fits festivals perfectly with its infectious beat and electrifying vibe.”
She pointed to Thailand’s world-renowned Songkran festival, which she vividly described as having an atmosphere strikingly similar to Korea’s iconic Waterbomb festival. It was at Waterbomb, on July 24, that the spirited girl group first unveiled “Sweat” to an ecstatic crowd, perfectly setting the stage for its release.
“When we performed for Songkran this year, fans loved our songs,” Natty recalled fondly. “Next time, we’d love to perform ‘What!’ there and have everyone jump along together, creating an unforgettable experience.”
Three Years, Countless Miracles, Endless Aspirations
Three years since their explosive debut, Kiss of Life has impressively released approximately 10 albums, a count that includes their successful Japanese releases. This prolific output has maintained one of the busiest and most demanding schedules among groups that debuted around the same timeframe, a testament to their dedication and drive.
“Three years may sound short, but we’ve packed so much into those three years,” Julie reflected with a sense of accomplishment. “People often tell us, ‘Has it really only been three years?’ Hearing that makes me incredibly proud because it means we’ve truly accomplished so much in what feels like a short time.”
The group’s relentless pace, combined with their consistent high-quality output, has also earned them the endearing and inspiring nickname, “the miracle of a small agency,” highlighting their exceptional achievements despite starting from a less prominent label.
Julie admitted that the nickname holds even deeper significance for her now than it did when she first encountered it.
“I hope we’re remembered not simply as the miracle of a smaller agency, but as a group that continues to create new miracles, pushing boundaries and reaching new heights,” she articulated, setting a powerful vision for Kiss of Life’s enduring legacy.
