In a groundbreaking development for the K-pop industry, teen creator crew CORTIS is set to make their official debut on August 18, 2025, with their highly anticipated single “What You Want.” The five-member group, consisting of Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, represents BigHit Music‘s first new act under HYBE in six years, bringing new energy to the label known for launching global superstars.
CORTIS, whose name cleverly serves as an acronym for “Color Outside The Lines,” aims to challenge conventional K-pop formulas with their unique approach to music and image. Their debut single, featuring artist Teezo Touchdown, blends psychedelic rock and hip-hop elements, establishing their musical direction before the full mini-album release on September 8, 2025.
The multinational group includes members aged 16 to 19, with notable pre-debut credentials. James, 19, previously choreographed for TXT and was part of Trainee A, while Martin, 17, contributed songwriting for established HYBE acts including TXT and ILLIT. The group’s mission to challenge societal norms through their music reinforces their position as cultural innovators. This creative background underpins their involvement in production, choreography, and music video direction.
Their debut mini-album “Color Outside The Lines” features five tracks centered on themes of self-discovery and authenticity, with members opting for a relatable teenage image rather than traditional polished idol aesthetics. Industry analysts note this strategy as potentially risky yet invigorating in the competitive K-pop landscape.
CORTIS rejects the polished idol mold, embracing authentic teenage identity in a bold reimagining of K-pop standards.
Early indicators suggest the gamble may pay off, with the album selling approximately 247,000 copies on release day according to Hanteo charts—marking the highest first-day sales among K-pop groups debuting in 2025. This places them third in all-time debut album first-day sales, behind only ZEROBASEONE and X1. Their track “GO!” has already achieved 10 million views on YouTube, further demonstrating their immediate appeal.
The group has already established a strong social media presence across platforms including Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and X, where their unscripted, self-directed content emphasizes creative freedom and individual expression. The group’s management has launched strategic pre-save campaigns to build anticipation and maximize streaming numbers ahead of their official releases.
With their music videos quickly accumulating millions of views, CORTIS demonstrates that authenticity and artistic involvement may represent the next evolution in K-pop group development. The members have also been preparing for sync deals with major gaming companies to further diversify their revenue streams beyond traditional album sales and performances.
