CORTIS has appeared on the U.S. Billboard charts for 22 consecutive weeks.
On the 10th, according to the latest chart (Feb. 14) released by U.S. music trade publication Billboard, CORTIS (Martin, James, Juhun, Sunghyun, Gunho)'s debut album "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES" placed 25th and 20th, respectively, on "Top Album Sales" and "Top Current Album Sales," which track physical album sales in the United States. It also held steady at sixth on the "World Albums" chart, demonstrating enduring popularity even five months after its release.
On a web variety show, they showed a charm that contrasted with their unstoppable global momentum on the Billboard charts. Martin and Gunho appeared on the popular program "Salon Drip" on YouTube channel TEO on the 10th. The two members appeared confidently while performing the team's hit song "GO!" choreography but could not hide their nervousness. They drank a sip of beverage cautiously and, when asked to introduce themselves, stood and bowed 90 degrees, showing rookie-like traits. The offbeat remark "We are currently working hard on the next album. Although we're not in an active period, this was a show we really wanted to appear on, so I'm grateful to be able to report we're alive here" drew laughter from viewers. Watching this, MC Jang Do-youn smiled and said, "They seem like unspoiled young men. It's like seeing a pristine zone."
Gunho said, "Our team plans our music videos ourselves. Recently, opinions clashed during a meeting about the new album and things almost became awkward, but we reconciled easily," giving a sense that all members jointly create the music, choreography and videos as a "young creator crew." Regarding the debut album track that included his name in the lyrics, "FaSHioN," he shared the production anecdote that "the lyrics were born from an episode that actually happened at our dorm."
Martin, asked about the pressure of being a "BigHit Music rookie" following BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER, replied, "Seeing and learning from senior artists made me want to do better. I recently met senior J-Hope, and I was grateful he treated me comfortably like a cousin I hadn't seen in a long time." He also won fans with candid charm through small everyday stories such as his sleeping habits, dorm life and touching episodes with his family.
Meanwhile, CORTIS is stepping up preparations for a comeback aimed for April. Much attention is focused on their next work after sweeping K-pop's firsts, fastests and bests with last year's debut album "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES."
[Photo] BigHit Music, TEO "Salon Drip"
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