You’ve likely already heard of the newest K-pop boy group making waves: CORTIS, under BigHit Music by HYBE, the same powerhouse behind BTS and TXT. Debuting last month with their single “What You Want,” CORTIS marks HYBE’s first new group in six years. Their name, short for “Color Outside the Lines,” reflects the group’s mission to push boundaries and carve out a space in K-pop that’s distinctly CORTIS.
Leading the lineup is Martin, a Korean-Canadian. At just 17, he’s already a seasoned songwriter, credited with writing and composing for TXT and ILLIT. Fellow 17-year-old Juhoon is a talented dancer and former child model. Seonghyeon and Kenoho, the youngest members at 16, have inspired a wave of 妈粉 (mā fěn, or mom fans) on Chinese social media—fans who gush over idols with motherly affection. Rounding out the group is James, the eldest at 19. A Hong Kong-Thai and former member of Trainee A, James has choreographed for TXT’s “Deja Vu” and ILLIT’s “Magnetic.”
Rather than polished and glamorous, CORTIS is defined by a down-to-earth, homegrown charm—they are just like the teenage boys next door. This carefree edge takes shape not only in their music and fashion but also in their music videos, which they often direct and film themselves, sometimes even unscripted. As Martin explained in an interview, “Besides music and the choreography, music videos are a huge part of our creative identity as it gives us the freedom to express our artistic vision.”
Earlier this week, CORTIS dropped their self-titled debut EP, Color Outside the Lines. The six-track project opens with “GO!,” a refreshing trap tune paired with a camcorder-style, self-shot video. “FaSHioN” celebrates their youthful ambitions, contrasting cheap outfits with priceless dreams, while “JoyRide” slows things down as the perfect soundtrack for a night drive. The EP also includes an English version of “What You Want,” featuring American rapper Teezo Touchdown.
CORTIS blends early American hip-hop, trap, and pop, with touches of alternative rock and smooth jazz. By coloring outside the lines, they’ve defied genre boundaries with a hell of a lot of authenticity thrown into the mix. The EP shows off the group’s wide-ranging talents—writing, composing, directing, and choreographing—which already sets them apart from other rookie idols.
This past Monday, CORTIS held their release party in Seoul, drawing fans worldwide both in person and online. The debut EP sold 247,295 copies on the first day, the highest among all debuting groups this year. With HYBE’s strong backing and fans touting them as the potential successor to BTS, it looks like CORTIS is on track to become not only South Korea’s next breakout act but also a major force on the global stage.
Cover image via CORTIS.
