BigHit Music, the entertainment company behind global superstars BTS and Tomorrow X Together (TXT), has officially debuted its newest boy group Cortis with a digital single release on Monday. The five-member group represents the agency's first new boy group launch in six years, marking a significant milestone since TXT's debut in 2019. Cortis consists of members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, who are positioning themselves as a creative force in the competitive K-pop landscape.
During their debut press showcase held in Seoul, member Juhoon revealed the unique origin behind their group name. The name "Cortis" was created by irregularly selecting six letters from the phrase "Color Outside the Lines," which serves as the foundation for their artistic philosophy. "It conveys the idea of thinking freely, beyond the standards and rules set by society," Juhoon explained, highlighting the group's commitment to breaking conventional boundaries in their music and performances.
BigHit Music has positioned Cortis as a "young creator crew who directly create music, choreography and videos with a completely new and original sensibility." This creative approach sets them apart from traditional K-pop groups, as the members actively participate in all aspects of their artistic output. Seonghyeon described their collaborative creative process as "putting our heads together," emphasizing the importance of teamwork in their artistic development.
The group's journey toward their debut involved significant trial and refinement of their creative process. "In the beginning, we each worked separately, but the songs didn't come out well," Seonghyeon recalled during the showcase. "So we started collaborating closely, even writing a single line of lyrics together. That approach led to better results and solidified our belief in co-creation as a team-based work style." This evolution in their working method has become a cornerstone of Cortis's identity as artists.
Members Martin and James bring additional experience to the group, having previously contributed to songs and choreography for other Hybe artists, including the popular girl group ILLIT and their senior group TXT. Martin shared his personal journey from producer to performer, stating, "I enjoy producing, but I've loved being on stage since I was young, and debuting as an artist was a dream I couldn't give up. I'm grateful to join BigHit Music and finally debut." His transition from behind-the-scenes work to center stage demonstrates the multifaceted talents within the group.
The pressure of being associated with BigHit Music, known for producing some of K-pop's biggest acts, is not lost on the new group. Martin candidly acknowledged this challenge: "It would be a lie to say there's no pressure. Thanks to our incredible seniors, we feel a strong sense of responsibility and are working hard to show our best." This awareness of their legacy while striving to create their own path reflects the group's mature approach to their debut.
Cortis's debut single "What You Want" serves as a prerelease track from their upcoming full album "Color Outside the Lines," scheduled for release on September 8. The song showcases their unique musical style by blending a 1960s psychedelic rock guitar riff with a hip-hop-based boom bap rhythm. Through this track, the members boldly sing about confidently pursuing their desires without hesitation, embodying their "color outside the lines" philosophy.
The creative process behind their debut album involved extensive collaboration and experimentation. "We held a song camp in Los Angeles to create the lead track and B-side songs," member Keonho revealed. "We initially planned for one month, but it didn't go as smoothly as we thought, so we ended up working for three months." This extended creative period demonstrates their commitment to producing high-quality music that truly represents their artistic vision.
The group's meticulous approach to song selection involved reviewing over 300 potential tracks before settling on their final choices. Martin shared an intimate moment from their creative process: "At one point, when we were stuck on a song, we had an open and honest conversation about what we wanted in life. As we recorded our individual answers -- whether it was freedom, honor, or love -- the song-writing process flowed smoothly." This personal connection to their music adds depth and authenticity to their artistic expression.
During their debut showcase, Cortis delivered a memorable performance featuring unique choreography that incorporated treadmills as a central element. This innovative approach to performance demonstrates their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. "We practiced live while running on treadmills even before we started practicing for 'What You Want.' Luckily, we ended up using treadmills as a key part of the song's choreography, so it turned into a way to practice our live performance while also rehearsing the dance," one member explained.
The unconventional rehearsal process came with its own challenges, as the group had to adapt to the physical demands of their performance concept. "At first, we spent all day on treadmills creating the choreography and even had to take motion sickness pills," a member shared with laughter. "But soon, we adjusted and began enjoying it." This willingness to embrace discomfort in pursuit of their artistic vision exemplifies their dedication to their craft.
Looking toward the future, Cortis has set clear goals for their career trajectory. When asked about their aspirations, Juhoon articulated their immediate and long-term objectives: "Since this is our first album, our primary goal is to introduce our music and ourselves to the public. Looking further ahead, we hope to become a group with a strong and distinct identity, just like our senior groups." Their ambition extends beyond mere recognition to establishing a unique brand in the K-pop industry.
The group's ultimate aspiration reflects their desire for authentic artistic recognition. "We want people to say, 'That's so Cortis,' and instantly recognize our style," Juhoon concluded. This goal of creating an immediately recognizable artistic identity while maintaining their commitment to creative freedom and boundary-pushing artistry positions Cortis as a promising addition to BigHit Music's roster and the broader K-pop landscape.
