KISS OF LIFE Members Facts: Ages, Heights & Secret Stories

KISS OF LIFE members have taken the K-pop industry by storm since their debut in July 2023, already securing three music show wins in their first year.

The four-member girl group under S2 Entertainment brings together a fascinating mix of talents and backgrounds. Julie (24), Natty (22), Belle (20), and Haneul (19) represent a truly international lineup, with members hailing from Korea, Thailand, and Korean-American heritage. Their group name symbolizes their mission to bring a fresh breath of air to the K-pop scene, while their dedicated fanbase, known as "KISSY," has been growing steadily since September 2023.

With hit songs like "Sugarcoat," "Te Quiero," and "Kitty Cat" already under their belt, these rising stars showcase the extensive training they received at major entertainment companies before coming together as KISS OF LIFE.

Julie: The Hawaiian-Born Leader's Journey

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Julie Han moved to South Korea at age 13, marking the beginning of her journey toward K-pop stardom. Her artistic foundation began with ballet training in Hawaii, ultimately leading her to explore different dance styles after relocating to Seoul.

Julie's Pre-debut Training at YG Entertainment

In December 2017, Julie's path to stardom began when she passed an audition through Def Dance Academy, securing a position as a trainee at The Black Label, a subsidiary of YG Entertainment. Her training period spanned six years across multiple agencies, including three years at The Black Label (2017-2020) and a stint at Swing Entertainment. Throughout her trainee years, she watched year-end award shows with her parents, promising them she would perform there someday.

Leadership Style and Group Dynamic

As the eldest member of KISS OF LIFE, Julie brings a unique blend of emotional intelligence and empathy to her leadership role. Natty describes her as someone who "has a high level of understanding about each member". Her caring and motherly nature helps navigate the group through the complexities of idol life. Moreover, her bilingual abilities in Korean and English facilitate effective communication within the multicultural group.

Hidden Talents Beyond Rap

Beyond her role as the group's main rapper and lead dancer, Julie showcases remarkable versatility in her artistic abilities:

Composition credits for KISS OF LIFE tracks "Shhh" and "Bye My Neverland"
Exceptional dance skills influenced by her ballet background
Ability to transition between low and high vocal ranges

Her journey from ballet to hip-hop notably shaped her performance style, specifically citing a pivotal moment when dancing to a Rihanna song sparked her desire to perform professionally. Consequently, this diverse background contributes to her comprehensive understanding of performance arts, making her an invaluable asset to the group's creative process.

Natty: From Thai Survival Shows to KIOF Success

At age 10, Bangkok-born Natty embarked on her K-pop journey after passing auditions for both SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment. Her determination led her through multiple survival shows, ultimately shaping her path to KISS OF LIFE.

Journey Through Multiple K-pop Shows

In 2015, Natty participated in JYP Entertainment's SIXTEEN, reaching the final episode that formed TWICE. Rather than giving up, she persevered and joined Mnet's Idol School in 2017, where she ranked 13th in the final round. These experiences, though challenging, strengthened her resolve. "All of my past struggles shaped who I am. The confidence I can show everyone now is because of the hardships".

Solo Career Highlights

In April 2020, Natty signed with Swing Entertainment, marking her solo debut with the single "NINETEEN". Soon after, she released her second single album "Teddy Bear". Her solo work garnered attention for its distinctive style, especially her R&B-influenced track "Sugarcoat," which earned praise from BTS' RM.

Multilingual Skills and Cultural Bridge Role

Presently, Natty serves as a cultural bridge within KISS OF LIFE, bringing international perspective to the group. Her linguistic abilities include:

Fluent Korean and Thai
Proficient English
Conversational Japanese

After signing with S2 Entertainment in July 2022, Natty found her true calling with KISS OF LIFE. Her extensive experience, spanning six different agencies over a decade, contributes significantly to the group's dynamic. "I hadn't truly shown myself to the public yet and wanted to take on one more challenge by joining a group," she explained about her decision to redebut.

Belle: The Songwriter Princess

Growing up in a musical household, Belle inherited her artistic talents from her father, legendary South Korean singer Shim Shin, known for hits like "I Love Your Sadness" and "Greedy Person" in the 1990s.

Musical Family Legacy

As a child, Belle made television appearances alongside her father, including a memorable performance on SBS' Global Junior Show in 2012. Her father nurtured her musical aspirations by providing her with production software and encouraging her songwriting journey. Accordingly, Belle taught herself to read sheet music and mastered music production software, developing a unique sound influenced by her multicultural upbringing.

Songwriting Process and Inspirations

At age 17, Belle began composing music, sharing her creations on SoundCloud and Instagram. Her musical influences span across genres, from Chet Baker to Ariana Grande, albeit Victoria Monét's work particularly shapes her unreleased compositions. Certainly, her dedication to craft has proven fruitful, with over 1,000 unreleased songs in collaboration with various producers.

Collaborations with Other K-pop Artists

Belle's impressive portfolio includes collaborations with prominent K-pop artists:

Writing and composition credits for LE SSERAFIM's "UNFORGIVEN" featuring Nile Rodgers
Songwriting for (G)I-DLE's Miyeon, including "Softly" and "Charging"
Background vocals for NCT Mark's "Child"

Nevertheless, her talents earned recognition when she received the 'Proud Korean Grand Prize' composer award at the 2023 Korea Best Brand Awards, merely ten days after KISS OF LIFE's debut. Undoubtedly, her role extends beyond performing, as she actively shapes the group's musical direction, writing their debut track "Shhh" and her solo song "Countdown".

Haneul: KIOF's Rising Vocal Star

As the youngest member of KISS OF LIFE, Haneul's journey from a soft-spoken trainee to a confident performer showcases her remarkable evolution in the K-pop industry.

Early Musical Influences

Inspired by iconic group Sistar, Haneul pursued singing with the goal of evoking emotions in others. Her musical influences extend to Lee Su-hyun from AKMU and international artist Olivia Rodrigo. The creative director of KISS OF LIFE describes her as a chameleon who absorbs direction like a sponge, adapting seamlessly to various concepts.

Vocal Development Journey

Haneul's vocal prowess is evident in her distinctive range, spanning from Low Weak-Average Bb3~A4 to G4's. Her capabilities include:

Strong chest voice with natural, robust tone
Comfortable lower range execution
Chest-dominant mix approach
Stamina for sustained performances

In fact, her dedication to vocal development earned recognition from fellow members. Julie acknowledges her as "the most consistent and hardworking" member, maintaining unwavering focus even during exhausting periods.

Future Aspirations

Evidently passionate about growth, Haneul expresses her desire to explore diverse concepts, particularly dreamy and rock punk styles. "Music feels like a diary to me, capturing my emotions and experiences," she reflects. Her recent viral performance of 'Igloo' demonstrates her evolution, as she masterfully switches between two distinct performance styles simply by manipulating sunglasses as a prop.

As a result of her training and experience, Haneul now approaches performances with newfound confidence. "Now, when I go on stage, I feel like the coolest person in the world," she shares. Ultimately, her journey from an uncertain trainee to a self-assured performer exemplifies her commitment to artistic growth, with her multilingual abilities in Korean, English, and Japanese further enhancing her versatility.

Group's Multicultural Chemistry

The multicultural makeup of KISS OF LIFE creates a unique dynamic that sets them apart in the K-pop landscape. Their diverse backgrounds shape not only their music but also their interpersonal relationships.

Language Dynamics

Communication flows seamlessly within the group through a blend of languages. Julie and Belle often serve as translators, bridging conversations between members. Their linguistic abilities include:

Korean: All members
English: Julie, Belle, Natty
Thai: Natty
Japanese: Haneul, Natty

Cultural Exchange Stories

Throughout their journey, cultural differences have led to memorable moments. Julie shares a humorous incident about being mistaken for "a strange person" on the subway shortly after arriving in Korea. Similarly, Haneul expresses surprise at international fans' understanding of Korean, creating endearing moments during concerts.

Off-stage Bonding Moments

The group's connection extends far beyond their professional relationship. "Now we're just like sisters. We're just best friends," Julie emphasizes. Their bond strengthens through shared experiences, from practice room sessions to touring together. Primarily, their hectic schedules of music shows and recordings have brought them closer.

The members' mutual respect forms the foundation of their relationship. "We acknowledge our differences and the path we went through to get here, so that makes us learn from each other and grow," Haneul explains. Essentially, this understanding allows them to support each other's growth while maintaining individual identities.

Their multicultural synergy manifests in their performances, where they seamlessly blend different cultural influences. "We want to make music that could resonate with people from all over the world. Languages are all different, but we hope our music could be the medium that could gather everyone in one place," Belle reflects. Alongside their musical chemistry, the group's authentic friendship shines through in their interactions, from silent exchanges of glances to supporting each other during challenging moments.

Pre-debut Training Stories

Each member's path through South Korea's rigorous training system shaped KISS OF LIFE's distinctive character. Their combined experiences at major entertainment companies created a foundation for their eventual success.

Big 4 Agency Experiences

The members' journeys through South Korea's top entertainment companies provided unique perspectives. Julie dedicated three years to The Black Label under YG Entertainment from 2017 to 2020. Throughout this period, she honed her rap skills and developed her leadership abilities. Meanwhile, Belle's time at SM Entertainment as a songwriter enriched her musical expertise. Primarily focusing on composition, she contributed to various artists' works before joining S2 Entertainment.

Practice Room Memories

In December 2022, a British documentary captured the group's intense training period, featuring Julie, Belle, Natty, and two other trainees. The filming process, although challenging, strengthened their bond as they practiced extensively for their stages. Throughout their training, the members supported each other's growth, with Natty's industry experience proving invaluable. "We learn so many things from Natty because she has so much experience in the industry," Julie acknowledges.

Debut Preparation Period

The final preparations for KISS OF LIFE's debut proved particularly intense. Their recording sessions extended longer than anticipated as they strived for perfection. The group's formation culminated in several key milestones:

Individual solo music video releases, starting with Natty's "Sugarcoat" on June 18, 2023
Belle's "Countdown," Julie's "Kitty Cat," and Haneul's "Play Love Games" followed successively
The group's official debut on July 5, 2023, with their first EP

The members recall their debut preparation as "hectic but a big experience," noting how they learned extensively throughout the process. Ultimately, their diverse training backgrounds converged to create a group that combines technical excellence with authentic artistry.

Behind Their Stage Names

The symbolic meaning behind KISS OF LIFE's name reflects the group's artistic mission and identity. S2 Entertainment chose this name to represent the act of giving vitality through artificial resuscitation.

Name Origins and Meanings

The group's name carries dual significance. Primarily, it references the life-saving technique of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Therefore, this metaphor extends to their artistic goal of breathing new life into the music industry through their unique sound and charm. Their domestic stage name, "키스 오브 라이프" (Kiseu obeu laipeu), maintains consistent branding across Korean and international markets.

Personal Connections to Their Names

Each member's name tells a unique story:

Julie Han (한주리): Born in Hawaii, she maintains her birth name as her stage name
Natty (นัทธมน): Born in Bangkok, she chose this nickname for its international appeal
Belle (심혜원/Shim Hye-won): Born in Seattle, her stage name reflects her elegant image
Haneul (하늘): Born in Paldal-gu, her Korean name means "sky," symbolizing limitless potential

Alternative Name Considerations

Indeed, the group's concept centers around different life stages, particularly adolescence and young adulthood. Hence, their fandom name "KISSY" complements this theme, creating a cohesive brand identity. The group is generally known by their abbreviated name "KIOF" in industry circles.

Their name typically appears in various formats across different platforms:

International Stage Name: KISS OF LIFE
Domestic Stage Name: 키스 오브 라이프
Official Abbreviation: KIOF

Overall, the thoughtful selection of both group and individual names strengthens their identity as artists who aim to revitalize the K-pop scene with fresh perspectives and musical innovation.

Secret Talents and Hidden Skills

Beyond their musical prowess, KISS OF LIFE members possess an array of hidden talents that showcase their versatility as artists. Their diverse abilities extend far beyond their established roles within the group.

Unknown Member Abilities

Belle's musical expertise runs deeper than previously known. Primarily self-taught, she mastered reading sheet music and learned complex music production software independently. Her father's gift of a Logic-equipped computer sparked her journey into music production, leading to the creation of over 1,000 unreleased songs.

Natty excels in hip-hop dance, yet her vocal abilities often go unnoticed. Her solo track "Sugarcoat" demonstrates her exceptional singing skills. Simultaneously, she created the choreography for this song, highlighting her dual expertise in both vocals and dance.

Surprising Hobbies

The members maintain diverse interests outside their musical careers:

Julie enjoys reading books, watching movies (particularly "The Devil Wears Prada"), and shopping
Haneul finds joy in traveling, driving, and watching movies, dramas, and animation
Belle spends time listening to jazz artists like Chet Baker in solitude

Special Skills Beyond Music

Each member brings unique capabilities to the group. Occasionally, Haneul demonstrates her guitar skills, which she specifically learned to perform their ballad "Says It". Additionally, her trilingual abilities in Korean, English, and Japanese enhance the group's international appeal.

Julie's fashion awareness stems from her mother's career as a fashion designer. The group actively participates in their visual concepts, contributing ideas for fashion, hair, and makeup. Their involvement in the creative process ensures authenticity in their presentations.

Belle's composition portfolio extends beyond KISS OF LIFE, with credits on significant works including LE SSERAFIM's "UNFORGIVEN" and (G)I-DLE Miyeon's "Softly". Her background vocals can be heard on NCT Mark's debut solo "Child," demonstrating her versatility in different musical roles.

FAQS

Fans worldwide frequently seek information about KISS OF LIFE, ranging from member details to performance bookings. Here are the most commonly asked questions about the rising K-pop quartet.

Q: Who is the main rapper in KISS OF LIFE? A: Julie serves as the group's main rapper and leader, known for her bilingual rap skills in Korean and English.

Q: What is the age range of KISS OF LIFE members? A: The members' ages span from 19 to 24 years, with Julie being the oldest (born March 29, 2000) and Haneul the youngest (born May 25, 2005).

Q: What are KISS OF LIFE fans called? A: The official fandom name is "KISSY," reflecting the group's mission to bring fresh energy to music.

Q: What are the members' nationalities? A: The group represents diverse backgrounds: Julie and Belle were born in the United States, Natty originates from Bangkok, Thailand, and Haneul is from South Korea.

Q: When did KISS OF LIFE debut? A: The group made their official debut on July 5, 2023, with their first EP titled "KISS OF LIFE" featuring the lead single "Shhh".

Q: Which entertainment agency manages KISS OF LIFE? A: S2 Entertainment, a South Korean record label and entertainment agency, manages the group.

Q: What is the current dorm arrangement? A: As of March 2024, Julie shares a dorm with Belle, whereas Natty rooms with Haneul.

Q: How can brands explore partnerships with KISS OF LIFE? A: Interested brands should reach out to BrandPartnerships@teamwass.com for collaboration opportunities.

The group maintains active communication with fans through various social media platforms, including Instagram (@kissoflife_s2), TikTok (@kissoflife_official), and their official website (kissoflife-official.com).