How CORTIS Is Redefining K-Pop For Their Generation

CORTIS at iHeartRadio LIVE! in Los Angeles

BIGHIT MUSIC

CORTIS is not your typical K-pop rookie group.

Sure, they’re physically attractive, exude charisma, and are brilliant performers. But, there’s an edge and sense of confidence that radiates from the rookie group, who merely debuted a little over two months ago.

BIGHIT MUSIC – home to global superstars BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) – described CORTIS as “a next-generation creator crew that will express themselves in an entirely new way,” granting each member input in every step of the creative process — a rarity for a rookie team.

It all makes sense when you meet the members – Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho – who are more than just musical artists; they’re creatives, composers, songwriters, directors, producers, editors, storytellers, and more. They don’t believe in labels; instead, they’re defined by the stories they tell through their music, performance, and videography. It’s why their name is derived from the phrase “Color Outside the Lines,” which plays on their freedom of creative expression and their breaking of societal boundaries. Several members have already demonstrated exceptional talent and impressive resumes for their young age.

Martin, their 17-year-old leader, has written, composed, and produced several of K-pop’s most popular songs, including ILLIT’s “Magnetic,” TXT’s “Deja Vu,” and “Beautiful Stranger,” and LE SSERAFIM’s “Pierrot,” to name a few. Eldest member James, 20, has written and composed for several artists, and choreographed some of the iconic (and viral) moves of TXT’s “Deja Vu” and ILLIT’s “Magnetic.” All five members have contributed to their own music, choreography, and video concepts.

It’s no surprise that their self-titled debut EP, Color Outside the Lines, was a success – debuting at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 436,000 copies in its first week, the highest initial sales for a 2025 rookie group and fourth highest in K-pop history.

Their pre-release song, “GO!,” an addictive hip-hop and pop track featuring trap beats and layers of catchy synths, earned them attention for their originality and unique sound. Their popularity skyrocketed even further when they finally debuted with the title track, “What You Want,” a retro psychedelic rock, hip-hop song that centers on teenage frustration at not being listened to or taken seriously. They came up with their music video concepts for “GO!,” “What You Want,” and “Lullaby,” co-directing with YVNG WING and Jongho JP of IDIOTS.

Since then, it has been a non-stop adventure for the quintet, as they’ve performed for M COUNTDOWN, Music Bank, iHeartRadio LIVE in Los Angeles, and KOOM Festival in New York. They have plans to perform at MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025 in Tokyo, the Asia Artist Awards 2025 in Taiwan, the Music Bank Global Festival 2025 in Tokyo, and the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong, which they’ve been nominated for five awards: Best New Artist, Best Choreography, Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Fan’s Choice Male.

While at a local dance studio in Los Angeles, CORTIS makes time for an interview — their second in-person interview ever (their previous ones were all virtual).

Dressed in their signature alternative, new-age punk rock style, the young rising stars are a bit nervous, still in disbelief at how much has changed in the last two months, but excited to talk about their newfound fame.

“Everything is surreal for me,” Martin says. “I still can’t believe that I walk outside and some people notice me. It’s a weird feeling because I was just a kid. I was a teenage kid who loved music and fashion. I used to go to vintage shops and everything. Now, when I go, people notice me.”

He laughs, sharing a story about how a store owner at a place he frequented would give him discounts if he gave an autograph. He still thinks it’s a bit weird sometimes to be recognized, but he hopes people won’t treat him differently, especially his close friends. He reminds his inner circle, “I’m [still] so open. I’m still your friend. So hit me up anytime!”

With their debut, the members are happy to have their music out there to the world. Juhoon, 17, reveals, “It feels better after the debut. During our pre-debut, we were worried about whether people would like our music, how it was made, and everything else. Now that we’ve shared everything we’ve got, I can see people liking our things. We’re really grateful. We have more to come.”

HYBE Labels released a four-part behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of their album a year before their debut. From recording the songs to developing choreography to filming content on their smartphones, the fresh-faced artists are constantly throwing out ideas, each contributing significantly to the eventual EP. Juhoon likens the process to “a salad bowl.”

As part of the digital generation — kids born with a phone in hand — CORTIS have the power to create content with a tap, so when they have an idea for a music video, TikTok, song, or skit, they workshop it among themselves and just go for it.

“Everything is at the tip of your fingers,” says James. “You can create anything in a minute. You can find any medium. We get a lot of inspiration from our daily lives – shorts, videos, movies, and [more]. It’s very widespread. Our taste is very broad. Because we have so many new intakes [of content], it comes out as a mix of everything.”

The two youngest members – Seonghyeon and Keonho, both 16 – use their smartphones daily, with the former calling his “essential” because he uses it to capture ideas and inspiration for lyrics, melodies, and more. Seonghyeon says, “I think for our generation, creating and communicating are the same thing. When I post something, it’s not just content, but a way to connect and show what inspires us.”

It’s also another way of updating their fanbase. Now that they have official Instagram and Weverse channels, it’s easier for all of them to connect with fans regarding their daily lives. Keonho says, “We always try to keep our communication friendly and down-to-earth. Social media makes it easy to stay close, so it feels like we’re just talking to friends.”

As part of this new wave of young K-pop artists, CORTIS does feel more westernized or global than most rookie groups. It could be due to how diverse some of the members are: Martin is mixed Korean and Canadian. James is mixed Chinese and Thai. Juhoon studied at an international school in Korea. The majority of them speak English fluently. Not to mention, the impact and influence of Western music and artists on the K-pop industry in general, with the group working closely with American producers and songwriters.

But CORTIS still considers themselves “K-pop” because of their close relationship with fans and the many genres that stem from K-pop.

“K-pop is a culture, and it’s about the fans,” James explains. “That is what defines K-pop. With K-pop, there are so many various sounds within it. We are definitely K-pop artists because we have a really close relationship with our fandom. We’re lucky enough to have the title [of K-pop].”

The group is also fortunate to have a supportive relationship with their labelmates, BTS and TXT. The members are appreciative and honored to be associated with these global icons, but admit there is pressure and expectations following the two powerhouses.

“To be honest, we do feel it,” says Juhoon. “Our senior artists are great and capable. We really admire and respect them, but at the same time, the pressure also works like a responsibility. We are trying even harder because we’re in this company. Because we’re in this company, we can contribute more to the album. They actually gave us a chance to make our own music and stuff. That’s really lucky for us.”

They note that having BTS and TXT as their seniors is also what keeps them grounded. BTS’s j-hope advised them always to be grateful for what they have and “grow up with humility.”

“We’re nothing compared to them,” says Martin. “To be honest, that’s one thing that makes us really humble. It’s not even like we try to stay humble; it’s genuine from me.”

For James, the key to staying humble is just keeping up the work and releasing more music. He is focused on explaining who they are through their art.

“Personally, as an artist, if you’re living life, you’re gonna have something to say,” he shares. “You’re going to keep on working and keep trying to put stuff out. As we’re finding ourselves living through life, that will always be [something to work on] in this never-ending journey to be a better person or artist.”

The members, who started as trainees in grade school and middle school, are wise beyond their years as they discuss their craft and the music industry. They’ve been given so much responsibility at such a young age that it makes one wonder whether they ever miss just being a kid.

Recently, they’ve been so busy with their schedules that they haven’t had time to even think about that. Seonghyeon says shyly, “These days, I feel more responsibility. I haven’t had much time to feel that way recently. Everything’s been happening so fast since our debut, but that’s not a bad thing.”

The members emphasize that goofing around is part of the music-making process, living their own version of what it means to be a kid.

“Making music is not a job for us,” Keonho stresses. “Even though we started young, it still feels like we’re just having fun with friends – making music, shooting videos, and sharing what we love. When we’re in the studio or creating something together, it’s always creative and exciting rather than serious work.”

Though Martin sometimes thinks about his days at the PC cafe with his friends, riding bicycles, and being outside, he is ready for this new chapter in his life. He reflects, “I’m living a different life now. It’s Chapter 2, so I’m going to my job and my business, but at the same time, it’s more fun. We find the fun in what we’re doing. Sometimes we talk about the really dumb stuff that will never resonate with anybody else.”

They recall filming their music video for “Lullaby” at their LA rental home. The guys wanted to go into the pool, but they had to come up with a video idea. So they just decided to shoot a music video in the pool.

“The mindset [that we] have is creating and stripping down everything, then throwing ideas onto the wall and seeing what sticks,” says James.

As CORTIS prepares for their upcoming performances and new music, they have one task on every fan’s mind: settling on a fandom name. They chuckle, thinking about the fandom name possibilities. They know that once it’s decided, there’s no going back.

“We’re always thinking about it,” says Keonho.

The members only received their official group name over two months ago, so there isn’t a rush to hastily establish a fandom name. Martin named a few he liked, including “COR,” one his dad came up with. James is quick to prevent any misunderstanding.

“But it’s not it,” says James. “We’re still finding one that really suits [our fans] because it will stick for a very long time.”

Martin agrees, “It’s got to be good, so we never know when it will come out. We’re trying to make it as soon as possible.”

CORTIS’s debut EP, Color Outside the Lines, is available through all streaming platforms. Physical copies are available at select retailers.