Red Velvet’s sub-unit IRENE & SEULGI is finally making a long-awaited comeback with their new mini-album ‘TILT’. The album, which marks their return after five years, has generated significant buzz—both positive and negative.
On May 19, Red Velvet officially dropped the tracklist for TILT, revealing a total of six songs, with the title track sharing the same name.
While fans were initially excited, the excitement quickly turned into outrage when it was revealed that Julie of KISS OF LIFE is featured on Track 2, “What’s Your Problem”.
Julie and her group KISS OF LIFE are currently embroiled in major backlash from K-pop fans and international netizens.
Earlier this year, Julie faced heavy criticism for cultural appropriation during her birthday live stream, where her styling and mannerisms were perceived as mocking or stereotyping Black culture.
Despite the group issuing apologies, many fans deemed them insincere, especially considering that Julie had previously apologized for mouthing the N-word in an earlier controversy.
The reappearance of Julie in a high-profile collaboration has struck a nerve with fans, many of whom feel betrayed by SM Entertainment’s decision to include her.
At first, there was confusion over whether the featured “Julie” was indeed KISS OF LIFE’s Julie, as the tracklist did not include her group’s name.
However, multiple Korean media outlets confirmed that it is, in fact, the same Julie. The confirmation, along with the track’s hip-hop genre, intensified the criticism.
Many are now calling on SM Entertainment to either remove the song from the album or at least issue a statement, though most acknowledge it’s unlikely that the track will be pulled so close to the release.
Some fans have already decided to boycott Track 2, choosing to support the rest of the album instead.
Others pointed out the inconsistency in SM’s priorities, sarcastically noting how the company was quick to remove a teaser photo featuring oysters, which stirred minor backlash, but apparently ignored deeper concerns about racism and cultural sensitivity.
While most of the backlash has been negative, a few fans have stepped in to defend the artists, arguing that the track was likely recorded long before Julie’s most recent controversy..
Still, the dominant mood remains frustration and disappointment.
TILT was meant to be a triumphant return for IRENE & SEULGI, a unit beloved for their edgy concept and fierce chemistry.
Instead, the comeback is now overshadowed by controversy. Whether SM Entertainment will respond remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: fans are demanding accountability—not just from idols, but from the companies that manage them.
