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| yna@yna.co.kr 2026-05-15 07:44:33
SEOUL, May 15 (Yonhap) -- Rookie boy group Cortis, which brands itself as a "Young Creator Crew," is rapidly establishing a presence in the K-pop scene with self-produced music and content that resonate with younger audiences.
The group, which debuted in August last year under BigHit Music, has drawn attention as the agency's next boy band following BTS and Tomorrow X Together. Just nine months after debut, Cortis has posted strong performances across digital music charts, album sales and global indicators.
According to the music industry Friday, the group's latest song "REDRED" topped Melon's Top 100 chart on May 13, becoming the first boy group with less than a year since debut to reach No. 1 on the platform during the past year. Its second EP, "GREENGREEN," released May 4, sold 2.31 million copies in its first week, according to Hanteo Chart.
The group's global profile has also risen. "REDRED" ranked No. 17 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, while its official social media accounts surpassed 11 million followers.
Industry observers point to Cortis' "Young Creator Crew" identity as a major factor behind its popularity. All members participate in songwriting, composition, production, choreography and video creation, with all members credited on the group's latest release.
Songs on the album also reflect the members' personal experiences and candid storytelling. Industry analysts said the group's unpolished and natural image has resonated with Gen Z audiences while offering a fresh appeal to older listeners.
Critics said Cortis combines BigHit Music's production system with member autonomy in a way that breaks from traditional K-pop formulas. Music critic Lim Jin-mo said the group could represent a new direction in K-pop following BTS, while critic Kim Do-heon described the team as one that has challenged conventional K-pop norms since its debut.
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