CORTIS became the first K-pop singers to headline a signature event during National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Weekend.
CORTIS (Martin, James, Juhun, Sunghyun, Geonho) performed a halftime show at the '2026 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game' (2026 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, hereafter the "All-Star Celebrity Game") held on the 14th (Korean time) at the Kia Forum in California, U.S. The "All-Star Celebrity Game" is one of the signature events representing NBA All-Star Weekend. Sports stars, actors and singers form teams and play games. This is the first time in the history of the event that a Korean artist has performed.
CORTIS appeared with the host introducing them as "a K-pop sensation that took the Billboard charts by storm." The crowd erupted in louder cheers than when points were scored in the game. They heated up the atmosphere by performing the team's signature songs "GO!" and "FaSHioN" in succession. The five members left a strong impression on sports fans with stage presence not believable for rookies. Fans singing along to the chorus were spotted in many places.
The reaction in the U.S. is unusual. CORTIS served as the headliner of the 'NBA Crossover concert series' held on the 13th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The concert sold out, drawing fans across races, genders and ages. The NBA All-Star and Billboard posted content focusing on this on their official social media accounts. In videos, fans said, "I came here to see CORTIS," and cited the group's charm points as "full of passion and energy, burning bright" and "an inspiring group. They have something uniquely different from existing K-pop."
The five members are also active as 'Friends of the NBA' promoting the NBA. During the broadcast of the LA Lakers and Dallas Mavericks game on the 13th, local commentators said, "CORTIS is our favorite K-pop group. Seeing the members in person today changed the ranking," and that scene spread widely on social media, drawing intense attention.
[Photo] BigHit Music, Coupang Play NBA broadcast screen capture
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