Meet CORTIS: BigHit Music's 1st boy band since TXT

BigHit Music's latest act CORTIS performs during the band's official debut event at Blue Square in Seoul's Yongsan district, Monday. Yonhap

Many idols cite K-pop juggernaut BTS as their role model, but only a few can truly position themselves as the group's successors.

On Monday, rookie boy band CORTIS — composed of members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho — debuted as BigHit Music's newest boy band, stepping into that rare space as the label's first boy group in six years since TXT and third in the 12 years since BTS debuted.

That pedigree alone has fueled heavy anticipation among K-pop enthusiasts. As BigHit has turned each of its boy bands into global acts, fans were quick to focus their attention on its third project, with CORTIS amassing 1 million TikTok followers within six days of launching their official account.

The music video for their debut album's intro track "GO!" landed on YouTube's trending music video charts in 11 regions, including Korea, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The group made its formal introduction at a media showcase at Blue Square in Seoul's Yongsan district, Monday. Still in their teens, the five members appeared onstage sporting young but confident energy.

"Our team is finally out, and I hope it serves as our first greeting to the public," the team's youngest member, Keonho, said. "I hope people remember us simply as people who love music."

From left, CORTIS members Martin, Keonho, Seonghyeon, Juhoon and James perform during the band's official debut event at Blue Square in Seoul's Yongsan district, Monday. Courtesy of BigHit Music

The team name, CORTIS, is drawn from the team's slogan and the title of their debut album, "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES." The six letters were selected randomly from the phrase to symbolize breaking free of set standards and rules.

The members also introduced themselves as a "young creator crew," signaling a commitment to active participation in their art. Unlike most debuting acts, all five CORTIS members earned credits on their debut project, which is slated for release on Sept. 8.

Martin pointed to the collaborative culture they grew up with as inspiration.

"I watched hip-hop crews and rock bands making music together. That culture became part of us. We got used to it, and it's carried through to now," he said.

Juhoon described their process as collective to its core.

"We sit together and literally gather our heads together to shape everything. Whether it's a single line of lyrics or a simple dance move, we think it through until it fits."

From left, CORTIS members Martin, Keonho, Seonghyeon, Juhoon and James attend the band's official debut event at Blue Square in Seoul's Yongsan district, Monday. Courtesy of BigHit Music

Martin and James, in particular, honed their skills during their trainee days, contributing to projects for HYBE Label seniors TXT, ENHYPEN and Illit.

"I tried to be of some help, and I learned a lot in return," James said. "With our own songs, I wanted to show something raw and honest."

For Martin, that experience underscored why performing remains his greatest passion.

"Producing music is fun, but nothing compares to being on stage. When the company gave us this once-in-a-lifetime chance, I knew I had to take it."

The debut album's title track, "What You Want," set for release Monday at 6 p.m., is built on guitar riffs inspired by 1960s psychedelic rock and heavy boom bap rhythms rooted in hip-hop, veering closer to global pop than the usual K-pop sounds.

The group's performance is equally unconventional, as the choreography has the members dancing on treadmills to capture the energy of the song.

"We practically lived on treadmills while preparing the dance," James said. "I even had to take motion sickness pills, but now we're used to it and enjoy it."

BigHit Music's latest act CORTIS performs during the band's official debut event at Blue Square in Seoul's Yongsan district, Monday. Yonhap

As BigHit's latest group, CORTIS has already felt the weight and encouragement of its lineage.

"BTS themselves wished us well," Seonghyeon said. "TXT gave us the chance to perform for them, and they offered practical advice, like using different expressions for every stage and paying attention to the details."

That legacy looms large, but for CORTIS, it serves as motivation rather than pressure.

"Our first goal is to let people know who we are through this debut album," Juhoon said. "Looking ahead, we want to develop a clear identity, like our seniors, so when people think of us, a distinct idea comes to mind."

Keonho described that identity as one built on harmony.

"I'd describe us as a bibimbap-like team. Whether it's songwriting or music videos, we mix diverse ingredients and colors into something cohesive and flavorful."