Watch them go, go, go, go, go, go. You’ve heard them all over TikTok, but who exactly are they? Meet Cortis, BigHit Music’s newest boy group, who stormed onto the scene in earlier in August with their self-produced single ‘GO!’. As the third boy group to debut under BigHit—following BTS and TXT—all eyes are on the five members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho. With their rage-trap sound and distinctive Y2K-inspired style, they have cemented their place on everyone’s FYP and even recently took home the Global Rookie Award at the Tiktok Korea Awards. Beyond filling big shoes, the boys are here to carve their own path. With a lineup overflowing with talent and creativity, it’s clear that Cortis is here to shake up the game.
Prior to their official debut, BigHit had already set the stage with a pre-debut documentary that followed the boys to LA—where they wrote and produced their debut EP. The raw, unfiltered footage showed them pulling all-nighters in the studio and pushing through creative blocks—revealing a sincerity rarely seen in K-pop’s polished veneer. The result? Fans were instantly hooked. The docuseries didn’t just introduce an idol group, it showed five young artists determined to break the mould and redefine what it means to be an idol today.
With all eyes on Cortis and their rapid rise to fame, Vogue Singapore rounds up everything you need to know about K-pop’s newest breakout group.
What does Cortis mean?
The group’s name comes from the phrase ‘colour outside the lines,’ a nod to limitless creativity and the desire to break free from conventional boundaries. It’s also inspired by the hormone cortisol, a subtle but meaningful reference to the stress and pressure that often come with artistic pursuits. By combining these ideas, the name reflects Cortis’s commitment to exploring their own vision and resisting the external pressures of the creative process, all while staying true to themselves and their music.
What sets them apart?
True to their name, the group is made up of self-driven creatives who pour authenticity into every aspect of their work, from music and choreography to video production. Even as teenagers, all five members draw on personal experiences to infuse their artistry with individuality and depth, whether through songwriting, composition, performance, or visual storytelling. What really sets them apart, however, is their collaborative spirit. Instead of sticking to rigid roles, they create as a team, shaping their collective vision together.
Who are the Cortis members?
1 / 5
Martin
Leading the lineup is Martin, a 17-year-old Korean-Canadian who’s already a seasoned songwriter and producer. He’s had a hand in creating hits like Illit’s ‘Magnetic’, Enhypen’s ‘Outside’, and most recently TXT’s ‘Beautiful Strangers’, among others. Easily recognisable by his spiky blonde hair and rockstar style, Martin stands out both on stage and off. He cites Tyler, the Creator and Mac Miller as major influences, which shine through in the tracks he helps bring to life.
2 / 5
James
Next, meet James, the oldest member of the group. A former Trainee A member, loyal fans will be glad to see him secure a well-deserved spot in Cortis’s lineup. A dance prodigy from Hong Kong, he has choreographed and contributed to several of his labelmates’s dance routines, including the iconic ‘killing point’ of Illit’s ‘Magnetic’. Naturally, he brings the same keen musicality and stage presence to Cortis’s songs.
3 / 5
Juhoon
Juhoon is a former child model and youth basketball player who was scouted and cast as a trainee while still in middle school. Despite his youthful persona, he surprises listeners with a deep, resonant voice that adds depth to the group’s songs. Before joining BigHit Music, Juhoon also appeared in commercials and music videos; experiences that helped shape both his stage presence and versatility as a performer.
4 / 5
Seonghyeon
With around five years of trainee experience, Seonghyeon specialises in songwriting and composing, constantly exploring new music to expand his craft. Remarkably, he recorded over 100 demo tracks during his trainee days. With his cheerful demeanour, Seonghyeon’s a creative powerhouse with a sharp edge, and the ideas he brings to Cortis as a topliner and lyricist often come to life in the group’s songs.
5 / 5
Keonho
The youngest member, 16-year-old Keonho—often dubbed the ‘noona killer’—has already carved out his place in Cortis. He writes his own lyrics and plays an active role in crafting their music videos. His energy and perspective brings a fresh layer to the group’s dynamic, and his presence makes an undeniable impact on Cortis’s soundscape.
