K-pop never stands still, and HYBE has just introduced your new favourite group. Meet CORTIS, BigHit Music’s latest boy group, who stormed onto the scene on August 18th, 2025 with their self-produced debut single “What You Want.” With a lineup this strong and creative, it’s clear CORTIS aren’t just another debut but they’re here to shake up the game.
The Birth of CORTIS: Pre-Debut Background
The first hints of CORTIS began to surface on April 29th, 2025, when HYBE announced that its subsidiary, BigHit Music (home to BTS and TXT), was preparing to launch a new boy group. But this wasn’t your typical rollout. From the start, HYBE emphasized that the members were deeply involved in nearly every aspect of the production process, from songwriting and choreography to the creative direction of music videos.
The reveal of the five-member lineup – James, Juhoon, Martin, Seonghyeon, and Keonho – instantly intrigued fans with their diverse cultural backgrounds and creative skills, raising expectations for something fresh in the crowded K-pop scene.
The group name, CORTIS, was taken from irregular letters in the phrase, “COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES,” symbolizing their determination to break free of creative restrictions. BigHit described them as a “next-generation creator crew,” and member Keonho added, “We’ve always loved bold, unconventional styles, so the name [CORTIS] came naturally. ‘What You Want’ reflects our creative vision and the kind of music we enjoy.”
The Debut Era: “What You Want” and Color Outside the Lines
CORTIS debuted with their single, “What You Want”, a bold track blending vibrant pop and edgy hip-hop, co-written by the members themselves. The song’s theme? Self-determination and chasing your own path. Just four days later, they unveiled an English-language version featuring the American rapper Teezo Touchdown, known for his collaborations with Tyler, the Creator (whom CORTIS leader Martin has often credited as one of his personal favorite artists) and Drake. This clever move introduced CORTIS to a global audience right from the start.
The momentum kept building with their first EP, “Color Outside the Lines,” released on September 8th. Sharing its title with the group’s concept, the album dives into themes of creativity, resistance, and bold self-expression, offering a glimpse of how versatile they are.
Meet the Members of CORTIS
Martin (Leader, Canada) – A seasoned producer who’s worked on songs for TXT, LE SSERAFIM, ENHYPEN, and even ILLIT’s viral “Magnetic.” At 190.5cm tall, he’s the group’s tallest member and a true all-rounder.
James (Oldest, Thai-Chinese) – A 2005-liner who’s already a skilled dancer, choreographer, and producer, with credits on TXT’s “Deja Vu” and “Miracle,” ILLIT’s signature hand moves on “Magnetic” and “Tick-Tack.” Beyond performing, he’s also deeply involved in video production.
Juhoon – A former kid model who also played on a youth basketball team before being scouted and cast as a trainee in middle school. Despite his cute visuals, he stands out with a surprisingly deep voice compared to the other members.
Seonghyeon – Another multi-talent, with about five years of trainee experience. His specialties are songwriting and composing, and he’s known to constantly seek out new music to study. Impressively, he has over 100 demo tracks recorded from his trainee days.
Keonho (Maknae) – Once a competitive swimmer, Keonho even set records and won first place in tournaments before joining HYBE. Pre-debut, he went viral when fans spotted him at the airport eating fries, thanks to his striking visuals. He’s often seen with a bright, carefree smile that makes him instantly lovable.
Together, they embody the self-produced idol ideal, shaping not just their music, but also their performances, and visuals.
CORTIS in Context: BigHit’s Legacy and the Future of K-Pop
For over a decade, BigHit has pushed the boundaries of what idols can be. BTS set the standard with self-written, socially conscious lyrics, and now CORTIS takes the next step in that legacy. Branded as a “creator crew,” they’re not presented as distant idols but as artistic collaborators fans can connect with.
And it’s working. In an industry where authenticity matters more than ever, CORTIS stands out. Their debut EP quickly sold 310,000 copies in just a few days, a massive achievement for rookies.
Conclusion: The Promise of CORTIS
In just weeks, CORTIS have already proven themselves to be fearless creators, innovators, and storytellers committed to authenticity and boundary-breaking artistry. Want their debut album delivered straight to your doorstep? Check out Delivered Korea’s ‘We Buy, We Ship’ or ‘You Buy, We Ship’ services or the DK Store.
