Big Hit Music’s newest boy group CORTIS is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about acts this year, with fans dubbing them “the Travis Scott and Playboi Carti of Kpop.” Their explosive debut sound, gritty visuals, and viral dance trend have cemented their reputation as the next generation of self-producing idols.
The group first caught attention with their pre-debut single “GO!,” a track that fuses Y2K nostalgia with modern trap beats. Its choreography sparked a massive trend online, where influencers, idols, and everyday fans all joined in to recreate the moves. It was compared to hip-hop tracks like “Fein”, which went viral before.
Their behind-the-scenes documentary added another layer to the conversation. It revealed that CORTIS had traveled to Los Angeles ahead of their debut to collaborate with real hip-hop producers and artists, immersing themselves in the culture that inspired their sound. This glimpse into their creative process showed that the group’s direction wasn’t a gimmick but a deliberate choice to learn from the source and bring that raw energy into Kpop.
Their “FaShioN” music video only amplifies the hype. Shot across striking landscapes in New Zealand and stylized with heavy CGI, fans have called the visuals “a testament to how big-budget Kpop can look when creativity is in charge.” Others compared the aesthetic to the larger-than-life atmosphere of a Travis Scott concert, where every frame feels like a fever dream.
Not everyone is on board with their sound though, especially when it comes to the group’s reliance on autotune. For some, the effect adds texture and fits perfectly with the trap and rage-inspired beats, turning their voices into part of the instrumentals. Others argue that it feels overwhelming and distracts from the members’ natural vocal tone
CORTIS officially debuted with “What You Want,” a nostalgic track that meshed psychedelic rock with hip-hop. Just weeks later, they dropped their first EP, “Color Outside the Lines,” a name that reflects not only their group identity but also their approach to artistry. The members, James, Juhoon, Martin, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, are involved in everything from songwriting, music video, to choreography, proving Big Hit Music’s “music and artist for healing” tagline.
