MUSIC
CORTIS Makes a Splash on Billboard 200 with Debut EP 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES'
According to the latest Billboard chart released on September 27, CORTIS, consisting of members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, secured the 15th spot on the 'Billboard 200'. This achievement marks the second-highest debut for a K-pop group's first album in history. Excluding project groups formed by popular members from different groups, this is the highest ranking.
Among rookie artists debuting this year, CORTIS is the only K-pop act to enter the 'Billboard 200'. In fact, 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES' is the first album by a K-pop boy group debuting in the past four years to break into the top 20 of the 'Billboard 200'. Additionally, the album has dominated other major charts, ranking 3rd in 'Top Album Sales', 3rd in 'Top Current Album Sales', and 2nd in 'World Albums'.
The album's tracks are also gaining significant traction. The intro track 'GO!' entered the 'Global 200' at 180th place. On the 'Global Excl. U.S.' chart, 'GO!' and 'FaSHioN' ranked 136th and 198th, respectively. These charts are based on online streaming and digital sales from over 200 countries and regions worldwide, providing a measure of an artist's global influence. As a result of these achievements, CORTIS has also ranked 24th on the Billboard 'Artist 100'.
CORTIS, known as a 'young creator crew', has made a significant impact in the U.S., the heart of the global music market, with their collaborative work in music, choreography, and video. According to Big Hit Music, the U.S. is the region where CORTIS's new release has been streamed the most on Spotify, the world's largest streaming platform. The group's music, created by all five members, has captivated listeners in the 'home of pop'.
Major international media outlets attribute their success to their 'freshness'. Rolling Stone and tmrw magazine have praised CORTIS as a 'new form of K-pop group that breaks the mold', highlighting their raw energy and gritty sensibility over the polished perfection typical of K-pop. tmrw magazine particularly commended the group for their collaborative effort in creating lyrics, choreography, and the LP's visual elements, noting that this dedication brings the album to life.
The music videos, co-directed by all five members, have also captured the interest of global music fans. Tracks like 'GO!', 'What You Want', and 'FaSHioN' have been featured on YouTube's 'Trending Videos' in the U.S. Numerous YouTubers, both domestic and international, have analyzed the meanings behind the videos and direction, showing great interest in the fresh ideas of the younger generation.
CORTIS's captivating performances have further fueled their rising popularity. Their solid live performances and self-created choreography have been well-received, spreading through word of mouth. Dance challenges mimicking their moves have gone viral on social media, and 'GO!' reached 2nd place on Spotify's 'Daily Viral Songs U.S.', creating a significant impact.
CORTIS is the latest group introduced by Big Hit Music, a label under HYBE (chaired by Bang Si-hyuk), following BTS and TXT. Despite being only a month old, their debut 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES' has left a meaningful mark on the Billboard charts.
