The group Cortis, a direct junior of BTS, is making noticeable moves right from their debut. From their debut album, all members are credited as lyricists and composers, and they are co-creating music videos, announcing the birth of the 'young creator crew.' They are proving their uniqueness beyond the label of 'the younger group of BTS.'
Cortis debuted on the 18th with the title track 'What You Want.' They are attracting attention as the third team launched by Big Hit Music, following BTS in 2013 and TOMORROW X TOGETHER in 2019.
Cortis has become the subject of the 'six-year cycle theory' among K-pop fans since Big Hit Music presents newcomers every six years. They are receiving significant interest from global fans, evident as their global account reached 6 million followers just six days after its establishment. The music video for the intro track 'GO!' also entered the YouTube trending music video charts in 11 countries/regions, including Korea, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Moreover, according to the global music streaming platform YouTube Music, Cortis's debut title track 'What You Want' surpassed 10 million cumulative views as of the 28th. This achievement came just 10 days after the release, and it is very unusual for a rookie group to achieve 10 million streams on the platform in such a short period. This highlights their popularity as YouTube Music boasts a high market share domestically and internationally.
In addition, they are already drawing attention in the global music market just by their emergence. Earlier, the prominent American music magazine Rolling Stone introduced Cortis ahead of their debut, referring to it as 'the coolest K-pop debut of the year.'
Rolling Stone also noted, 'Cortis presents a new form of K-pop group with a more free, raw charm without being tied to existing molds. They show talent that encompasses not only active participation in song production but also choreography and visuals. There are creative ideas behind all the work the team presents.' The members of Cortis were introduced as 'true creators.'
This aspect is what makes Cortis special. The name Cortis was created by irregularly taking six letters from 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES.' It embodies the meaning of 'thinking freely beyond the standards and rules set by the world.' Moreover, they are showcasing creations presented from a new perspective, reflecting the identity of the team name.
First of all, the most notable aspect is that all members of Cortis participated in the production of their debut album. Martin, James, Juhun, Seonghyun, and Geonho of Cortis are credited in the debut album 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES.' More than three members are involved in the lyrics and composition of every track, demonstrating a high level of contribution. It is rare for members' names to be credited in every song from the debut album, suggesting their skills.
Additionally, Cortis is emphasizing its identity as a 'young creator crew' by participating in co-creation of music, choreography, and videos. The original version of the music video for 'What You Want,' released on the 26th, is a work that the members planned, shot, and edited 100% freely. The previously released official music video also had the members credited as 'co-directors' as they worked with professional directors to complete the video.
In this way, Cortis is clearly demonstrating the identity and capabilities of the team as 'young creator crew' through collaborative creation of music, choreography, and even music videos. As they prove their uniqueness through differentiated actions, there are growing expectations for the new steps they will take in the K-pop market.
[Photo] Provided by Big Hit Music.
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