‘BTS told us no need to be perfect, but don’t take..’: CORTIS on feeling pressured as BTS’ juniors, recalls meeting members at J-Hope’s concert

BigHit’s new boy group CORTIS debuts with Color Outside the Lines, opening up on pressure of being BTS’ juniors and creative freedom.

By: Entertainment Desk

New Delhi | August 19, 2025 10:34 AM IST

BigHit’s first boy group since TXT, CORTIS aims to ‘color outside the lines’ in K-pop"

On August 18, BigHit Music unveiled its first boy group in six years since launching TXT. CORTIS, a five-member K-pop group, has already drawn attention as BTS’ younger siblings thanks to their striking visuals. At their debut album Color Outside the Lines showcase at Salt Travel Hall in Hannam Dong, Seoul, the members opened up about the pressure of stepping in as juniors to established boy bands and what sets them apart as they aim to become the next K-pop powerhouse.

CORTIS on pressure of being juniors to BTS and TXT

CORTIS members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho officially debuted on August 18. During the interview, leader Martin said, “It would be a lie to say we don’t feel pressure. Thanks to our outstanding seniors, we’re motivated to work responsibly and give our best. Please watch us.” Juhoon added, “Even rookies rarely get this much creative input, but BigHit gave us that chance. We’re thankful and will work harder.”

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Though the group is new, some members have already collaborated with label seniors, proving their skills. Martin produced tracks for ILLIT (Magnetic), ENHYPEN (Outside), and TXT (Beautiful Strangers), while James contributed choreography for multiple HYBE groups. Their name, CORTIS, comes from “Colour Outside the Lines”, symbolising free and limitless creativity. On a deeper level, it also references the hormone cortisol, adding to the group’s drive to resist stress and pressure in their creative journey.

Even though BigHit wants to position CORTIS as a “stress-free” group, the pressure of being BTS’ juniors is unavoidable. While the connection brings instant attention, it also comes with high expectations. Seonghyeon shared that BTS welcomed them warmly and hyped them up, while TXT offered practical advice on facial expressions and stage presence. Martin recalled meeting BTS at J-Hope’s concert, where he came across one of the best advice. “I met BTS members at J-Hope’s concert, and one piece of advice that really stuck with me was to be grateful for what we have and never take it for granted. That encouragement motivates us to work even harder, and we are very thankful.”

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“Another piece of advice BTS gave us is that a lot of people may think it’s the end once you debut. But actually, the debut is just the beginning, so there’s no need to be perfect,” Juhoon added. Cortis’ album Color Outside the Lines was released at 6 p.m. KST, with the title track “What You Want.” Other tracks include “JoyRide,” “FaSHioN,” and “Lullaby”.

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Here’s a quick look at CORTIS member’s profile.

Martin: The 17-year-old Korean-Canadian is the leader and producer. Inspired by Tyler, the Creator and Mac Miller, he contributes heavily to CORTIS’s sound.

James: The 19-year-old from Taipei is the eldest. Apart from being a singer, he is a dance prodigy, much like J-hope and a black belt in taekwondo. James is also an ex-semi-pro ice hockey player and is known for his strict lifestyle.

Juhoon: The 17-year-old is a former youth model and is fluent in English thanks to international schooling, bringing one of the strongest stage energies.

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Seonghyeon: The 16-year-old Korean artist, known for his strong creative input, is a lyricist who wrote the top line for “What You Want” and much of “JoyRide.”

Keonho: The 16-year-old and the youngest of the group plays a key role in video production.

The members reportedly trained for years together and lived in dorms, where they bonded through. The members admitted they’re still nervous, especially with interviews, but said that performing live makes them feel free. They also mentioned that they don’t aim for perfection in a traditional sense. “Short-term, since we’re just debuting, our goal is to show who we are to the audience and make sure that they understand who we are,” Junho said in an interview with Rolling Stones earlier.

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