[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] “K-Pop Hot Talk” is a weekly column that highlights memorable quotes gathered while covering the K-pop scene. <Editor’s Note>

◇“We need to create ‘memes’ that reflect our unique style.”
Girl group KISS OF LIFE (Julie, Natti, Bell, Ha-neul) made this remark during a comeback roundtable interview held recently at a café in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, when asked about the promotional strategy for their new song “SWEAT.”
Songs that have recently climbed to the top of the charts share a common trait: each has a “meme” video that has gone viral online—particularly on short-form platforms—driven by algorithms. The members of KISS OF LIFE revealed that they, too, are keeping a close eye on this trend.
Bell said, “We always try to understand what the public values and how trends are evolving,” adding, “We’re also aware that there are many ‘memes’ associated with the top songs on the charts.”
She continued, “While we want to be part of that trend, we’re constantly thinking about what our unique style and strengths are, and how we can incorporate them.”
Julie added, “It seems that videos that look natural—rather than those that appear forced—are the ones that become ‘memes,’” and noted, “We plan to monitor the public’s reaction since the start of our promotional activities and pinpoint the key elements.”
The members identified the chorus choreography of “Sweat” as a strong candidate for a “meme.” Bell explained, “I think the move where we seem to wipe sweat off our faces and flick it away is catchy,” adding, “There’s also a simple, intuitive choreography where we grab our heads with both hands and shake our hips.”
Bell then smiled shyly and said, “I’d love to film a dance challenge with EXO’s Kai—whom I’ve been a fan of since I was young—and the SISTAR members.”
“Sweat” is a summer song based on Afro-house rhythms. By incorporating elements of Latin music and electronic pop, they’ve created a dynamic and passionate sound. The members of Kiss of Life, who successfully stormed the summer music charts in July 2024 with their debut summer song “Sticky,” unanimously expressed their desire to top the major music charts with “Sweat” and surpass the success of “Sticky.”
Haneul expressed her hope, saying, “I hope many people will go to the beach, play our song, and dance along to the choreography.” Natti emphasized, “I want to make it so that when people think of Kiss of Life, the title ‘Summer Queen’ naturally comes to mind.”