▲ K-pop boy group Cortis is seen in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- Cortis marked its first anniversary on Aug. 18 by saying it wants to "grow constantly" and expand its limits through new challenges to become "better people and better artists."

 

The members also expressed their ambition through their agency BigHit Music, saying they will "continue to gain diverse experiences and show good music and art," while hoping to hold tours at arenas and eventually stadiums to meet more of their fans, known as Cores.

 

Debuting in August last year, Cortis quickly drew attention in the K-pop scene as a so-called "young creator crew" that jointly creates music, videos and choreography.

 

The group sold out all tickets for its first tour concert, "PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN," and recently completed its North American leg. On Aug. 22-23, it will hold concerts marking its first anniversary at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul.

 

Member Martin said, "Time has passed so quickly that it doesn't feel real. It was a year in which I grew one step further both as an artist and as a person."

 

"Amid all these waves of change, I feel like I've worked hard to swim and survive and have become a stronger fish," he added.

 

Asked what he had improved the most over the past year, Martin cited his stage skills.

 

"I think the first tour and the U.S. music festival Lollapalooza Chicago were the turning points," he said. "I even felt that performing and communicating with the audience was what I was living for."

 

James also mentioned Lollapalooza Chicago, describing it as "the first performance where I felt I could fully control myself onstage, with 100 percent instinct and 100 percent reason coming together."

 

"I think I grow by constantly trying new things, monitoring and making corrections whenever I perform," he said.

 

The youngest member, Geonho, born in 2009 and 16 when he debuted last year, has continued to grow taller during the group's activities.

 

"It feels real to see how my voice and height have gradually changed through videos and photos," he said. "The more I promote, the more I find myself reflecting on why I stand onstage and what it means to me."

 

Cortis emerged as a next-generation K-pop star after its second EP, "GREENGREEN," and its title track "REDRED," released in May, became major hits.

 

"REDRED" topped major domestic music charts, an unusual feat for a boy group song, while "GREENGREEN" reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, Billboard's main albums chart in the United States.

 

Seonghyeon said, "Through our second EP 'GREENGREEN,' we were able to introduce the team to more people. The positive response to the album and the time we spent preparing for it were truly meaningful."

 

"'REDRED' is the song that helped more people discover us. I feel really proud when I hear the cheers during my part onstage," he added.

 

Martin selected the release of "YOUNGCREATORCREW" as the most meaningful event of the past year.

 

"This song played a big role in building our team's culture. I was proud to see the song's power grow over time," he said.

 

"The song led to the 'Young Creator Crew syndrome' becoming a meme representing a generation, and I think that's why so many people have come to love the song," he added.

 

"I've been making a commitment since before our debut to never let our passion for music and creativity fade, and that will never change," Martin said.

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