HYBE, via its subsidiary Big Hit Music, has unveiled its long-anticipated new boy group, CORTIS, refreshing the ever evolving K-pop landscape after a six-year hiatus in male idol debuts and reigniting excitement among global fans and industry observers worldwide.
CORTIS consists of five members: Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho. They officially debuted on Aug. 18, 2025, with the dynamic lead single “What You Want,” from their first EP Color Outside the Lines. Before their debut, the group released a pre-release track titled “Go!” to build excitement, showcasing their youthful energy and generating strong momentum among fans eagerly awaiting their debut.
What sets CORTIS apart is their identity as a “Young Creator Crew.” Rather than assigning fixed roles like vocalist, dancer or rapper, each member is actively involved in multiple aspects of their artistry, including songwriting, choreography, production and visual content creation. This hands-on approach reflects HYBE’s goal to redefine what it means to be an idol in the new generation of K-pop. In fact, even before their debut, Martin and James had already contributed behind the scenes, working on song composition, production elements and concept direction with a clear creative vision.
The group’s name, CORTIS, is derived from the phrase “Color Outside the Lines,” symbolizing freedom of expression, individuality and breaking away from conventional boundaries. Their debut EP, Color Outside the Lines, dropped on Sept. 8, 2025, featuring “Go!”, “What You Want” and another standout track titled “Fashion.”
Following the global impact of BTS and TXT, HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) is set to introduce its next major act CORTIS. The group’s debut represents more than a new addition to HYBE’s roster it signals a shift in the company’s artistic direction. In recent years, HYBE has placed growing emphasis on nurturing idols who are not only performers but also creators, taking an active role in songwriting, production, and storytelling. With anticipation building ahead of their launch, CORTIS stands poised to become one of the most closely watched debuts of K-pop’s sixth generation. Industry observers are eager to see whether the group’s experimental concept will once again push the boundaries of what defines a modern K-pop act.