Natty Julie Buttons on MNET: A Professional Dancer's Honest Take

Natty Julie Mnet Buttons performance marks an exciting crossover where K-pop meets cinematic storytelling. The two KISS OF LIFE members are stepping into new territory with their acting debut on August 13 at 9 PM KST in Mnet's variety show "My ARTi FILM."

This 12-minute art film pays homage to the acclaimed 2016 film "The Handmaiden," creating a distinctively elegant atmosphere. Julie takes on the role of a lady from a prestigious family, while Natty portrays her devoted sister caught in a high-profile arranged marriage scenario. Furthermore, actor Lee Yi Kyung, known for his villainous role in "Marry My Husband," joins the duo as Julie's arranged marriage partner.

The performance specifically showcases the pair's versatility as they deliver a duet cover of "Buttons" by The Pussycat Dolls. This creative project blends sensual choreography with high-concept visuals to explore themes of deception, desire, and liberation—all reimagined through a modern K-pop lens.

What Is 'Buttons' on MNET and Why It Matters

"MY ARTi FILM" represents a bold experiment in the Korean entertainment landscape, bridging the gap between K-pop performance and cinematic storytelling. The series, launched by Mnet, features different K-pop artists each episode who showcase various acting genres combined with dance performances. This innovative format reinterprets famous movie scenes through a K-pop lens, creating a unique artistic fusion that appeals to multiple audiences.

A K-pop and Cinema Crossover

The concept behind MY ARTi FILM centers on challenging K-pop idols to step outside their comfort zones. According to Mnet's announcement, the series invites artists to explore various genres including romance, comedy, and thriller. Each episode blends choreographed performances with narrative elements, effectively creating short films that showcase artists' versatility. This format offers viewers a fresh perspective on K-pop talent, demonstrating how musical performance can merge with cinematic expression.

Julie and Natty's Acting Debut in My ARTi FILM

On August 13, Julie and Natty of KISS OF LIFE made their acting debut in the third episode of MY ARTi FILM. The episode cast Julie as a lady from a prestigious family and Natty as her devoted sister in a high-profile arranged marriage scenario. Actor Lee Yi Kyung, who gained popularity for his villainous role in "Marry My Husband," completed the cast as Julie's arranged marriage partner. The performance centered around their duet to "Buttons" by The Pussycat Dolls, highlighting their exceptional chemistry previously showcased through pair choreography and dance challenges.

Homage to The Handmaiden: A Bold Artistic Choice

The episode draws inspiration from Park Chan-wook's acclaimed 2016 film "The Handmaiden," creating a distinctively elegant atmosphere that sets it apart from previous installments. The original film follows a complex narrative about a pickpocket becoming a maid for a wealthy heiress. Although the original movie features an intricate plot with same-sex encounters, the MY ARTi FILM adaptation focuses primarily on a dance sequence. This artistic choice demonstrates how the series transforms sophisticated cinematic material into the language of K-pop performance, maintaining thematic elements despite the condensed format.

Performance Breakdown: Acting, Choreography, and Visuals

The execution of "Buttons" on Mnet showcases the multifaceted talents of both KISS OF LIFE members through carefully crafted character portrayals, synchronized movements, and cinematic presentation.

Acting Roles: Julie as the Lady, Natty as the Sister

In their acting debut, Julie embodies a character from high society, portraying a lady from a prestigious family with refined mannerisms and elegant poise. Meanwhile, Natty takes on the complementary role of her devoted sister, creating a dynamic relationship that drives the narrative forward. The duo's performances received notable praise from production staff, who remarked that both artists displayed professionalism that belied their newcomer status in acting. Actor Lee Yi Kyung, cast as Julie's arranged marriage partner, provides a steadying presence with his reliable acting skills, effectively grounding the dramatic tension between the characters.

Choreography Style: Sensual and Synchronized

The choreography for "Buttons" pays homage to The Pussycat Dolls' original sensual style while incorporating Julie and Natty's signature synchronized movements. Their performance features multiple dance sequences reminiscent of the original music video's burlesque origins. The routine includes chair choreography, body isolations, and smooth transitions that highlight the pair's exceptional chemistry—a quality they've previously demonstrated through various dance challenges. Their interpretation balances precision with emotional expression, creating a performance that's technically impressive yet narratively compelling.

Visual Direction: Cinematic Lighting and Costumes

The visual presentation elevates the performance beyond standard K-pop fare through its distinctively elegant atmosphere and thoughtful cinematography. Drawing inspiration from "The Handmaiden," the production employs moody lighting that creates dramatic shadows and highlights, enhancing the narrative's mysterious undertones. The costuming reflects the period setting while allowing for movement during dance sequences. Unlike typical music show performances, this production adopts a cinematic approach with varied camera angles and scene transitions that support the storytelling. This attention to visual detail successfully transforms a 12-minute performance into an immersive artistic experience that stands as a cohesive short film.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

The Natty Julie Mnet Buttons performance has generated significant online discourse, particularly regarding its artistic choices and cultural implications.

Online Buzz and LGBTQ+ Representation

The performance's homage to "The Handmaiden" resonated with many viewers due to its representation of same-sex attraction, sparking conversations about LGBTQ+ visibility in K-pop. This representation matters because it validates viewers' experiences by showing that being queer is normal and acceptable. As evidenced in other media, when LGBTQ+ characters are portrayed without their identity being treated as bizarre or their only defining trait, it normalizes these identities for audiences. Notably, media with diverse representation allows viewers to see themselves reflected in the content they consume, which is particularly meaningful for younger audiences forming their identities.

Reception from KISS OF LIFE Fans

Fan reaction to the Buttons performance has been mixed. On one hand, the choreography video format earned praise for allowing viewers to focus entirely on the synchronized dance moves without distractions from television broadcast effects or narrative elements. On the other hand, some online criticism emerged, particularly regarding the members' vocal abilities, with some commenters perpetuating narratives about "Hybe groups can't sing." Additionally, KISS OF LIFE has previously faced controversies that affected their fan relationship, including a significant loss of followers—approximately 78,438 Instagram followers in just two days—following a separate cultural insensitivity incident. Their choreography choices have also sparked debates, with some routines being deemed overly sexualized.

Why This Performance Stands Out in K-pop

The Buttons performance distinguishes itself in the K-pop landscape through its artistic ambition. Entertainment companies have increasingly recognized that well-produced choreography videos can promote groups more effectively than expensive music videos. In fact, industry experts point out that these focused performance videos make it easier for viewers to appreciate the synchronized dance moves that form a core component of K-pop's appeal. The popularity of "cover dances" both in Korea and internationally further demonstrates why such performances become important K-pop products. The Natty Julie collaboration stands out particularly because it merges this dance-focused approach with cinematic storytelling, creating a hybrid format that showcases their versatility beyond standard K-pop performances.

A Dancer’s Take: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Artistic Value

From a professional dance perspective, the Natty Julie Mnet Buttons performance demonstrates significant technical merit while balancing storytelling elements. Their interpretation brings a fresh dimension to both K-pop performance standards and cinematic dance.

Technical Execution of the Choreography

Examining the choreography reveals deliberate technical choices that showcase both members' strengths. The routine incorporates body isolations, floor work, and partner sequences that demand precise control. Natty's background in hip-hop shines through her sharp movements and grounded execution, particularly during the chair sequence. Julie, meanwhile, demonstrates exceptional fluidity in her transitions and impressive extension lines. Their synchronization during parallel sequences speaks to rigorous preparation, though occasionally the more intricate hand movements show slight timing differences. The choreography's difficulty level sits above standard K-pop routines, primarily because it requires sustaining character while executing complex movements.

Chemistry and Stage Presence

What truly elevates the performance is the palpable chemistry between the two KISS OF LIFE members. Their connection appears effortless yet intentional, creating visual harmony even during asymmetrical formations. Throughout the routine, they maintain awareness of each other's positioning while projecting their characters. Julie's aristocratic character manifests through controlled poise and deliberate eye contact, whereas Natty embodies her role through more vulnerable expressions and reactive movement quality. This dynamic contrast creates dramatic tension that enhances their synchronized moments. Nevertheless, their individual stage presence never overwhelms the partnership, maintaining the delicate balance essential for duet work.

Balance Between Dance and Acting

The most challenging aspect of the Buttons performance lies in its dual demands—technical dance execution alongside character portrayal. Both artists navigate this challenge admirably, though with different approaches. Julie maintains character primarily through facial expressions and posture, allowing her technical execution to remain consistent. Natty, conversely, incorporates character elements directly into her movement quality, sometimes prioritizing storytelling over technical perfection. Consequently, their performance achieves a cohesive artistic statement rather than merely showcasing dance skills. This integration demonstrates maturity in performance craft that transcends typical idol performances.