CORTIS Debut: BTS Inspiration Behind BigHit’s New K-pop Boy Group

CORTIS Debut: BTS Inspiration Behind BigHit’s New K-pop Boy Group

The K-pop industry has welcomed a fresh face with the debut of CORTIS, a new boy group under BigHit Entertainment. The five members—Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho—are already gaining attention not only for their debut album but also for their honest stories about how BTS inspired their journey.

From RM’s leadership skills to Jimin’s unforgettable stage presence, the members of CORTIS openly share the moments that shaped their dream of becoming idols.



CORTIS: The First BigHit Boy Group in Six Years

After the worldwide success of BTS and TXT, BigHit has finally introduced their first boy group in six years—CORTIS. Their arrival has raised expectations among fans who are eager to see how the group will continue the legacy while adding their own unique style to the K-pop scene.



Martin Shares RM’s Leadership Lessons

As the leader of CORTIS, Martin looks up to BTS’s RM as a role model. Speaking to W Korea, Martin revealed that it was his older sister who first introduced him to BTS. While he always loved music, watching BTS perform solidified his vision of the kind of artist he wanted to become.

Martin also recalled the advice RM once gave him:
“A leader’s role is to re-energize the members when they’re tired.”

Another quote that stayed with him was RM’s humility in saying:
“The position of leader is just the last trophy, and without the team, we wouldn’t have achieved success.”

These words now guide Martin as he leads CORTIS into their first chapter.


James on Jimin and Michael Jackson’s Influence

Another member, James, shared that he finds inspiration in both BTS’s Jimin and Michael Jackson.

He vividly remembers watching Jackson’s 1993 Super Bowl halftime show, where the King of Pop stood still for over a minute before removing his sunglasses—commanding the entire stadium without moving a muscle. That moment taught him the power of stage presence.

But the real spark for James came when he watched Jimin’s emotional performance of “Serendipity.”

“After seeing Jimin perform, the dream of becoming an idol blossomed within me,” James admitted.

This mix of global and K-pop influence shows how CORTIS is shaping their artistry by learning from legends.



The Big Debut: Colour Outside the Lines

On September 8, CORTIS officially debuted with their first album, Colour Outside the Lines. The group held a spectacular release show at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium.

The performance was streamed worldwide on Weverse, YouTube, and TikTok, with fans from over 190 countries tuning in. For two hours, CORTIS performed their entire EP live for the first time, proving that they are more than ready for the global stage.



Carrying BTS’s Legacy While Creating Their Own

It’s clear that BTS has played a huge role in motivating the members of CORTIS, but the new group is determined to create their own path. With Martin’s thoughtful leadership, James’s passion for performance, and the combined talent of Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, CORTIS is well on their way to becoming one of K-pop’s most exciting rookie groups.

Their debut album title, Colour Outside the Lines, perfectly reflects their vision—breaking boundaries, embracing creativity, and carving out their own identity in the competitive K-pop world.


Final Thoughts

With inspiration drawn from BTS’s RM and Jimin, and a strong debut that connected with fans worldwide, CORTIS is quickly making their presence known. They may be rookies, but their passion, humility, and dedication already hint at a bright future in the K-pop industry.

With inspiration drawn from BTS’s RM and Jimin, and a strong debut that connected with fans worldwide, CORTIS is quickly making their presence known. They may be rookies, but their passion, humility, and dedication already hint at a bright future in the K-pop industry.