CORTIS: Big Hit Music's Rising Stars Set to Debut This August
The K-pop world is buzzing with excitement as Big Hit Music prepares to launch their newest boy group, CORTIS, marking the label's first new group since TXT debuted six years ago. With their official debut set for August 18, 2025, these five young talents are ready to follow in the footsteps of their legendary labelmates BTS and Tomorrow X Together.
Group Overview
CORTIS stands for "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES," a name that perfectly encapsulates their mission to think freely and break away from conventional standards. The group name represents their bold approach to creativity and their desire to challenge established norms in the industry. Their official greeting reflects this philosophy, encouraging fans to embrace individuality and creative expression.
The five-member group consists of Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho—all teenagers who bring raw authenticity and fresh perspectives to their artistry. What sets CORTIS apart is their identity as "young creators," with each member contributing to songwriting, choreography, and video production, drawing from their personal experiences and youthful outlook.
Member Profiles
Martin
Position: Speculated Leader
Birth Date: March 20, 2008 (Age 17)
Nationality: Canadian-Korean
Background: As the oldest member and of mixed heritage, Martin brings a unique international perspective to the group. His Canadian-Korean background positions him well to connect with both domestic and international audiences. He's fluent in both Korean and English, making him a valuable bridge between cultures within the group.
James
Birth Date: 2005 (Age 19)
Nationality: Mixed heritage (Thai-Hong Kongese)
Background: James represents the growing internationalization of K-pop groups. His diverse background adds to the group's global appeal and helps establish their international credibility from debut. Like Martin, his multicultural identity allows CORTIS to connect with a broader range of fans worldwide.
Juhoon
Birth Date: January 3, 2008 (Age 17)
Nationality: Korean
Background: As one of the Korean members, Juhoon helps ground the group in traditional K-pop foundations while still embracing their innovative approach. His presence ensures that CORTIS maintains strong connections to their Korean roots while pushing creative boundaries.
Seonghyeon
Birth Date: January 13, 2009 (Age 16)
Nationality: Korean
Training Period: Approximately 5 years
Hobbies: Watching movies and dramas, playing basketball, skateboarding, and cycling
Fun Fact: His least favorite flavor is mint chocolate
Background: Seonghyeon began his training journey at just 13 years old (Korean age), demonstrating remarkable dedication to his craft. His diverse interests in sports and entertainment reflect the well-rounded personality that Big Hit Music values in their artists. His lengthy training period suggests he'll bring significant skill and experience to the group's performances.
Keonho (Maknae)
Birth Date: February 14, 2009 (Age 16)
Nationality: Korean
Birthplace: Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
Training Period: Since 2021
Education: Dropped out of Chonggye Middle School to focus on training
Background: As the group's beloved maknae (youngest member), Keonho represents the next generation of K-pop idols. Born on Valentine's Day, he brings youthful energy and charm to CORTIS. His decision to leave traditional education to pursue his dreams shows his serious commitment to the group and his artistic development.
Upcoming Debut Details
CORTIS made their preliminary introduction on August 11, 2025, with the release of their pre-debut music video "GO!" This strategic preview gave fans their first taste of the group's energy and musical direction before their official debut.
Their official debut is scheduled for August 18, 2025, featuring their title track "What You Want." This debut single is expected to showcase each member's individual talents while establishing their collective identity as creative young artists who aren't afraid to challenge conventions.
What Makes CORTIS Special
Young Creators Philosophy
Unlike many traditional idol groups, CORTIS positions itself as a collective of young creators rather than just performers. Each member actively participates in the creative process, from songwriting and choreography to video production. This approach allows them to maintain authenticity and personal connection to their work.
International Appeal
With members of diverse backgrounds including Canadian-Korean heritage, CORTIS is positioned to appeal to both domestic and international markets from their debut. This global perspective aligns with Big Hit Music's strategy of creating artists who can succeed worldwide.
Breaking Conventions
True to their "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES" philosophy, CORTIS represents a new generation of K-pop artists who aren't bound by traditional industry standards. Their youthful perspective and creative freedom allow them to explore new artistic territories.
Big Hit Music Legacy
As Big Hit Music's first new boy group since TXT, CORTIS carries the weight of following legendary acts while establishing their own unique identity. The label's track record with BTS and TXT provides them with world-class resources and industry expertise.
Looking Ahead
With their debut just days away, CORTIS is poised to make a significant impact on the K-pop landscape. Their combination of youthful creativity, international appeal, and Big Hit Music's industry expertise creates the perfect storm for success. As they prepare to color outside the lines of conventional K-pop, fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating what this talented group of young creators will bring to the industry.
The K-pop world is ready for CORTIS, and based on the anticipation surrounding their debut, it seems CORTIS is more than ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Their official debut on August 18, 2025, promises to be just the beginning of an exciting journey for these five remarkable young artists.