KISS OF LIFE, a relatively new but already rising K-pop group, mesmerized the audience at The Fact Music Awards 2024 with a striking homage to the world-renowned anime and manga series, One Piece.
The event took place on September 8, 2024, marking the second day of the highly anticipated awards ceremony.
Held at the famous Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, this year’s edition of the event was special for more than just the performances and awards.
It was the first time The Fact Music Awards were hosted outside of South Korea, making it a historic occasion in the K-pop world and international music alike.
KISS OF LIFE, also known by the abbreviation KIOF, took the stage that night with an electrifying performance that paid tribute to the genius of mangaka Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, an anime and manga series that has captured the hearts of millions of fans globally for decades.
The seamless combination of K-pop and anime during KISS OF LIFE’s performance made this tribute one of the standout moments of the evening.
By blending these two powerful cultural forces, the girl group paid a vibrant and energetic tribute to both the legacy of anime and their own K-pop artistry.
The Kyocera Dome in Osaka, an iconic venue in its own right, was the perfect setting for such a tribute.
Japan is considered the birthplace of anime, and One Piece holds a special place in the hearts of many Japanese fans, as well as international audiences.
Thus, KISS OF LIFE’s One Piece-themed performance was not just another stage performance but a meaningful acknowledgment of the interconnectedness between anime and K-pop.
The energy of the night was palpable as the group performed, attacting not only K-pop fans but also anime lovers who could immediately recognize the iconic references brought to life by the girls on stage.
KISS OF LIFE connects anime and K-Pop at The Fact Music Awards 2024
The synergy between anime and K-pop is no new concept, as these two mediums have shared cultural spaces for years, but KISS OF LIFE’s performance at The Fact Music Awards took this idea to new heights.
By incorporating One Piece, one of the most beloved anime and manga series of all time, the girl group honored a legacy that transcends generations and borders.
The decision to base their performance on One Piece felt especially appropriate, given the awards ceremony’s location in Osaka, the heart of Japanese anime culture.
KISS OF LIFE’s homage was more than just a nod to the anime; it was a powerful cultural statement that bridged two worlds, bringing fans of both K-pop and anime together.
Each of the four members of KISS OF LIFE was dressed in carefully crafted One Piece-themed costumes, bringing characters from the anime to life on the stage.
.@KISSOFLIFE_S2 performing 'INTRO + Sticky + Midas Touch' at the 2024 The Fact Music Awards!!
#KISSOFLIFE #키스오브라이프 #KIOF #KIOFxTMA2024 #2024TMA pic.twitter.com/epj3VgxbOl
— KISS OF LIFE Stats 🦋 (@KIOFStats) September 8, 2024
Natty, one of the group’s standout performers, took on the role of Monkey D. Luffy, the adventurous and brave protagonist of One Piece.
Wearing Luffy’s signature straw hat, Natty’s portrayal was instantly recognizable to fans, and her energetic performance echoed the character’s bold and unrelenting spirit.
Julie, another member of the group, embraced the character of Cat Burglar Nami, a fan-favorite character known for her cunning and resourcefulness.
Julie’s portrayal of Nami, complete with the character’s distinctive tattoo on her left shoulder, was a crowd-pleaser, especially for those familiar with the anime.
Belle, who paid homage to the character Black Leg Sanji, delivered an equally memorable performance.
Sanji, the smooth-talking and charismatic cook of the Straw Hat Pirates, is known for his distinctive kick moves and his ever-present cigarette.
Belle channeled this energy perfectly, adding her own K-pop flair to the performance.
Haneul, the fourth member of KISS OF LIFE, took on the role of Pirate Hunter Zoro, known for his stoic demeanor and incredible sword-fighting skills.
Haneul’s portrayal was particularly striking, as she briefly wielded swords during the performance, perfectly capturing Zoro’s iconic fighting style.
The attention to detail in the group’s costumes and performances was impeccable.
From Natty’s straw hat to Julie’s Nami tattoo, each member of KISS OF LIFE brought their respective One Piece character to life in a way that felt both respectful to the source material and exciting to the audience.
The performance wasn’t just about the costumes, though; it was about embodying the spirit of One Piece and fusing it with the high-energy, polished choreography that K-pop is known for.
Fans of both K-pop and One Piece couldn’t help but be drawn in by the spectacle, and the crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable throughout the performance.
KISS OF LIFE’s One Piece-themed performance began with a dramatic opening sequence, setting the tone for the rest of the show.
The stage was illuminated as the hauntingly beautiful sounds of “Overtaken,” a track from the One Piece original soundtrack (OST), filled the Kyocera Dome.
This song, known for its emotional and intense themes in the anime, was the perfect choice to introduce the group’s performance.
The audience was instantly transported into the world of One Piece, with the familiar music adding an extra layer of excitement to the spectacle.
As the music shifted, KISS OF LIFE transitioned seamlessly into their own hit songs, starting with “Sticky,” a catchy and upbeat track that showcased the group’s signature sound.
The performance only gained momentum from there as the group moved into “Midas Touch,” another fan-favorite song.
The blend of their K-pop hits with the One Piece-inspired theme made for a unique and thrilling performance that stood out among the many acts of the night.
One of the most iconic moments of the performance came during the group’s choreography.
Natty, who was dressed as Luffy, struck the character’s signature pose raising her arm high in the air with a determined look in her eyes a gesture that is instantly recognizable to any One Piece fan.
This moment was particularly moving, as it not only paid tribute to the beloved character but also signified KISS OF LIFE’s own bold ambitions and their determination to leave a lasting mark on the world of K-pop.
Throughout the performance, the group continued to weave in elements from One Piece, each time evoking a strong response from the crowd.
Julie, dressed as Nami, was seen holding the “log pose” on her wrist, an item that is central to the One Piece storyline, as it helps guide the characters to their next destination.
This small but significant detail did not go unnoticed by anime fans in the audience, who cheered in recognition of the tribute.
Belle’s portrayal of Sanji was equally iconic. With a cigarette between her lips, Belle executed a series of precise and powerful kicks, much like Sanji’s own fighting style in the anime.
These kicks, paired with the smooth and polished choreography of the group, made for a visually stunning performance.
Haneul, dressed as Zoro, added an extra layer of excitement by briefly wielding swords during the performance, mimicking Zoro’s sword-fighting techniques.
The sight of Haneul expertly handling the swords was a highlight of the night, as it perfectly summarize Zoro’s strength and skill.
The performance culminated with a powerful moment when all four members of KISS OF LIFE struck the signature left-arm-in-the-air pose of the Straw Hat Pirates, the central crew in the One Piece series.
This pose, which has become symbolic of the unity and resolve of the Straw Hats, was a fitting way to end the performance.
It was a moment that resonated with fans of the anime and left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
Tributes to Senior K-Pop Artists and the Global Reach of Hallyu Culture
In addition to their One Piece-themed performance, KISS OF LIFE also paid tribute to some of the biggest names in K-pop.
Later in their set, the group honored their senior artists by performing covers of songs by BLACKPINK and 2NE1, two of the most iconic girl groups in K-pop history.
These tributes were a testament to KISS OF LIFE’s respect for the artists who paved the way for them, as well as a celebration of the continued global influence of the Hallyu Wave.
The Fact Music Awards, which were established to celebrate the global rise of K-pop, have become one of the most anticipated events of the year for fans of Korean music and culture.
This year’s event, held in the Kyocera Dome, was particularly special due to its location outside of South Korea.
This move symbolized the ever-growing influence of K-pop, not just within South Korea but across the world.
KISS OF LIFE’s performance at the event was a perfect representation of this global reach, as they seamlessly blended K-pop and anime to create a performance that resonated with audiences from different cultural backgrounds.
As the group performed, their set echoed across the vast arena, connecting fans of K-pop and anime in a shared experience.
It wasn’t just about the music or the anime references; it was about celebrating the creative spirit that transcends borders and brings people together.
The blending of Japanese and Korean entertainment on the stage that night was a powerful reminder of the ways in which different cultures can inspire and complement one another.
KISS OF LIFE’s performance at The Fact Music Awards 2024 was more than just a tribute to One Piece or a celebration of K-pop.
It was a demonstration of the power of cultural exchange, as the group honored both the world of anime and their senior K-pop artists.
The performance was a vibrant fusion of two beloved forms of entertainment, and it left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
The night ended with KISS OF LIFE taking their place as one of the standout acts of the evening, cementing their status as one of the most exciting new girl groups in K-pop.
Their ability to fuse cultural icons from two different entertainment worlds anime and K-pop demonstrated not only their versatility but also their understanding of the global entertainment world.
In an era where fans are no longer limited by geographical boundaries, KISS OF LIFE’s performance symbolized the future of entertainment: one where cultures, genres, and art forms seamlessly blend to create something entirely new and exciting.
The Global Impact of KISS OF LIFE’s Tribute to One Piece
KISS OF LIFE’s One Piece-themed performance wasn’t just a simple act of tribute to a popular anime it was a bold declaration of the group’s understanding of their international fanbase and the shared cultural passions that unite them.
By paying homage to One Piece, KISS OF LIFE tapped into a massive global fandom that stretches far beyond the borders of Japan or South Korea.
One Piece is an anime that has been running for over two decades, boasting a fanbase that spans multiple generations.
https://t.co/4ibxwXNCut pic.twitter.com/CWdZwow2W0
— Bennime#TwiceMixxSupremacy (@Bennime_1G) September 8, 2024
The series has been a key player in shaping the anime industry, both in Japan and internationally, and its influence is undeniable.
With their performance, KISS OF LIFE showed that they recognize the global reach of One Piece and the significance it holds for fans worldwide.
In doing so, they connected with an audience that may not necessarily follow K-pop but has a deep love for anime.
This ability to bridge the gap between different fandoms is a testament to KISS OF LIFE’s global mindset and their ambition to reach beyond the traditional boundaries of the K-pop industry.
Moreover, their performance comes at a time when the world is more interconnected than ever before, thanks to social media platforms, streaming services, and the internet as a whole.
Fans from across the globe could share their excitement about the performance in real-time, creating a sense of unity among viewers.
Whether someone was a fan of K-pop, anime, or both, there was something in KISS OF LIFE’s performance that spoke to them, making it a memorable highlight of The Fact Music Awards 2024.
K-pop’s Ongoing Connection with Anime Culture
This isn’t the first time K-pop has intersected with anime culture, and KISS OF LIFE’s performance is just the latest example of how deeply intertwined the two worlds have become.
Over the years, many K-pop artists have openly expressed their love for anime, and several K-pop music videos have featured anime-inspired visuals or storylines.
This cultural exchange makes sense, as both K-pop and anime are massive industries with international fanbases that often overlap.
For instance, K-pop idols are known for their vibrant and visually stunning performances, which sometimes mirror the exaggerated and fantastical elements of anime.
Many idols have openly discussed their love for anime in interviews, even mentioning their favorite series and characters.
Likewise, anime fans are often drawn to the energetic and highly stylized world of K-pop, where the music, fashion, and choreography can sometimes feel as dynamic as an anime battle scene.
The growing popularity of anime in global pop culture has only strengthened this connection.
With streaming platforms making anime more accessible than ever, the global fanbase for shows like One Piece continues to expand.
K-pop, which also thrives on global platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and TikTok, has followed a similar trajectory.
This shared global reach has created opportunities for both industries to cross-pollinate, as artists like KISS OF LIFE incorporate anime references into their work, knowing that fans from both worlds will appreciate the nod.
By paying tribute to One Piece at The Fact Music Awards, KISS OF LIFE solidified their place within this ongoing cultural exchange.
Their performance was a reminder of how art forms like K-pop and anime are not limited to their countries of origin but are instead part of a broader global conversation.
It also underscored the fact that artists today are increasingly looking for ways to connect with fans across different mediums, whether that’s through music, anime, or fashion.
KISS OF LIFE’s Bright Future in K-pop and Beyond
KISS OF LIFE may still be in the early stages of their career, but their performance at The Fact Music Awards showed that they are a group with big ambitions.
Their willingness to take risks and incorporate elements of other cultures into their performances is a sign of their forward-thinking approach to K-pop.
In an industry that is constantly evolving, KISS OF LIFE has proven that they are ready to push boundaries and explore new creative possibilities.
The group’s One Piece-themed performance was not just a clever gimmick; it was a reflection of their deep understanding of pop culture and their desire to connect with fans on a meaningful level.
By paying tribute to a beloved anime series, KISS OF LIFE showed that they are not only aware of the cultural world around them but are also unafraid to embrace it in their performances.
This kind of cultural awareness is crucial in the modern entertainment world, where fans expect artists to be more than just performers they want them to be cultural icons who understand and reflect the values and interests of their audience.
In addition to their One Piece tribute, KISS OF LIFE’s set at The Fact Music Awards also included covers of songs by BLACKPINK and 2NE1, two of the most influential girl groups in K-pop history.
These tributes further highlighted the group’s respect for their senior artists and their desire to honor the legacy of K-pop while also forging their own path.
By performing songs from these iconic groups, KISS OF LIFE positioned themselves as the next generation of K-pop stars, ready to take the torch and continue the genre’s global domination.
The Future of Cultural Fusion in Entertainment
KISS OF LIFE’s performance at The Fact Music Awards is just one example of how entertainment is becoming increasingly globalized and culturally fluid.
As the world becomes more connected, artists are no longer confined by the borders of their home countries or the limitations of their own industries.
Instead, they are free to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, creating performances and works of art that appeal to a various, international audience.
This trend of cultural fusion is likely to continue as the entertainment industry evolves.
K-pop, in particular, has become a major force in this movement, with artists like KISS OF LIFE leading the charge.
By incorporating elements from anime, Western pop music, and other global influences, K-pop artists are creating a new kind of entertainment that transcends traditional boundaries.
For fans, this cultural fusion means that they can experience their favorite art forms in new and exciting ways.
Whether it’s seeing their favorite K-pop group pay tribute to an iconic anime or hearing a Western artist collaborate with a K-pop star, the possibilities are endless.
As artists continue to experiment with different styles and influences, the line between genres and cultures will only continue to blur, creating a more inclusive and various entertainment world.
For KISS OF LIFE, this performance is just the beginning. As they continue to grow and evolve as artists, fans can expect more innovative and boundary-pushing performances from them in the future.
Whether they’re paying homage to beloved anime characters or honoring their K-pop predecessors, KISS OF LIFE is a group that understands the power of cultural exchange and the importance of connecting with fans on a global scale.
A Performance to Remember
KISS OF LIFE’s One Piece-themed performance at The Fact Music Awards 2024 will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most memorable moments of the night.
By blending the worlds of K-pop and anime, the group created a performance that was not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful for fans of both genres.
Their tribute to One Piece was a celebration of creativity, cultural exchange, and the power of storytelling, and it left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it.
As KISS OF LIFE continues to rise in the K-pop world, performances like this one will only serve to further cement their place as a group to watch.
With their unique blend of talent, creativity, and cultural awareness, KISS OF LIFE is poised to become one of the leading voices in the next generation of K-pop.
Their performance at The Fact Music Awards was a testament to their potential, and it’s clear that they have a bright future ahead of them.
In the years to come, fans can look forward to more groundbreaking performances from KISS OF LIFE, as they continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be a global artist in the 21st century.
Whether they’re paying tribute to anime, honoring their K-pop predecessors, or creating their own original music, KISS OF LIFE is a group that is always looking for new ways to connect with their fans and make their mark on the world of entertainment.
