Cortis, the latest boy band from BigHit Music, has achieved a remarkable milestone by debuting at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 albums chart with their inaugural EP "Color Outside the Lines." The achievement was confirmed in the latest chart rankings released on Tuesday in the United States, marking a significant accomplishment for the rookie group.
This debut position represents the second-highest chart placement ever achieved by a K-pop act with their first album release, according to BigHit Music. More impressively, it stands as the highest debut position for any K-pop group that wasn't formed using members from previously established acts. Among all K-pop boy bands that have made their debut within the past four years, Cortis has become the first to successfully break into the top 20 of the prestigious chart.
The five-member ensemble consists of Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, representing BigHit Music's first new boy band launch in six years. The last group to debut under the label was Tomorrow X Together (TXT) in 2019. BigHit Music, which also manages global superstars BTS and TXT, has positioned Cortis as a unique addition to their roster.
BigHit Music has characterized Cortis as a "young creator crew" who distinguish themselves by personally crafting their own music, choreography, and music videos. The agency emphasizes that the group brings "a completely new and original sensibility" to the K-pop landscape, suggesting a fresh artistic direction that sets them apart from their contemporaries.
"Color Outside the Lines" was officially released on September 8 and features a collection of five carefully curated tracks. The EP is anchored by the lead single "What You Want," a dynamic song that showcases the members' vocal abilities while delivering an empowering message. In this track, the group members express themes of pursuing personal desires with unwavering confidence and determination, encouraging listeners to chase their dreams without hesitation or compromise.
