BigHit Music Secures Future with TXT's Contract Renewal and New Group Cortis Debut

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Kim Ji-won, a reporter from Ten Asia's music team, brings you the vibrant and refreshing world of K-pop like a 'shooting star'.

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BigHit Music, a subsidiary of HYBE, has confirmed the full group contract renewal with TXT, following the successful renewal with BTS. This comes as another positive development after debuting the new rookie group, Cortis, adding a new growth engine for the future.

TXT shared the news of their contract renewal directly with their fans during their fourth world tour concert in Seoul at the Gocheok Sky Dome on September 23-24. On the first day, leader Soobin read a handwritten letter announcing that all members had renewed their contracts with the label. Following BTS's full group contract renewal in 2023, TXT becomes the second group from BigHit Music to follow this path. This renewal ensures TXT's stability in their activities for the medium to long term, providing fans with the assurance of continued full group activities.

Since their debut in 2019, TXT has rapidly gained recognition, particularly in international markets. They have toured major regions such as North America and Asia. During their third world tour last year, they performed 28 shows across 17 cities worldwide. In 2023, TXT made their debut at North American stadiums, performing at two stadium venues last year, meeting 140,000 fans during their North American tour.

An artist's long-term partnership with their label reflects trust in the management system. The consecutive contract renewals of BTS and TXT indicate that BigHit Music has achieved a certain level of success in artist management and business support. Continuing activities as a team rather than as individuals also suggests strong internal cohesion, positively impacting the group's image.

On September 18, the rookie boy group Cortis debuted, adding to BigHit Music's lineup. Composed of multinational members, Cortis actively contributes to music production and performance. In international markets, high value is placed on artists' creative involvement, a key factor in BTS's competitive edge globally. Cortis's identity is likely to positively influence their global expansion.

BigHit Music is gradually reducing its reliance on BTS by building a stable and expandable artist portfolio with TXT and Cortis. While BTS prepares for a full group comeback post-military hiatus, TXT supports the label's overseas concert lineup, and rookie Cortis takes on the potential for long-term growth. This approach considers both short-term achievements and long-term strategies.

The key variable determining success is the sustainability of the artist lineup. With TXT's contract renewal and Cortis's debut, BigHit Music has partially addressed this challenge. The focus now shifts to Cortis's performance in international markets. As the label seeks new growth engines following BTS's massive success, all eyes are on their next steps.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr