Curtis sheds the 'BTS younger brother' label just one year after debut.. Curtis: "If you're going to do it, do it right" [Q&A]

*This content was translated by AI.

Boy group CORTIS has reached its first anniversary since debut.

CORTIS (Martin, James, Ju-hoon, Sung-hyun, Geon-ho) solidified their position as a team that jointly creates music, videos, and choreography from the moment of their debut last year. Known as 'Young Creator Crew' or simply 'YCC', they have become artists representing a young and distinctive generation.

In particular, their mini 2nd album 'GREENGREEN' entered the Billboard 200, the main album chart of the U.S. Billboard, at No. 3 on the May 23 edition and has maintained its position for 13 consecutive weeks. This is the longest chart run among boy groups debuting in the past five years. The title track 'REDRED' swept to No. 1 on major domestic and international music charts. Additionally, the cumulative streaming count of all 14 tracks released by the group so far surpassed 1.1 billion views on the global audio and music streaming platform Spotify as of the 13th.

They concluded their sold-out first tour '2026 CORTIS TOUR <PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN>' in North America on the 16th (local time) in San Francisco, U.S., and will hold a one-anniversary commemorative performance 'BIRTHDAY PARTY' at Seoul Korea University Hwajeong Gymnasium on the 22nd and 23rd. The members, who have had their best year yet, shared their thoughts through their agency Big Hit Music.

Q. Thoughts on reaching the first anniversary

Martin: Time has passed so quickly that it hardly feels real. It was a year in which I grew one step further as an artist and as an individual. Amidst all these waves of change, I feel like I swam hard to survive and became a stronger fish. I am truly grateful to the CORE (fan club name) members, the other members, and the company staff who stayed by my side so that I wouldn't lose my strength. I feel most deeply that this is a great happiness and luck, and that I must work even harder in the future.

James: Everything passed too quickly, and before I knew it, we had reached our first anniversary. It still doesn't feel real. We will work hard to repay all the love we received over the past year.

Ju-hoon: I am grateful that we were able to reach our first anniversary safely. When we first debuted, many things were uncertain, but thanks to the CORE members who always believed in us, we were able to fill the past year with good memories. As we are now entering our second year, we will work hard to show you an even more grown-up version of ourselves. Fighting!

Sung-hyun: In this one year, which was short yet long, we accomplished many things and have many precious memories. We are so grateful to the CORE members for getting us here. If it weren't for you, neither we nor our first anniversary would have had such great meaning. Since this is just the beginning, please stay with us with the same great momentum as now!

Geon-ho: I'm not usually someone who pays close attention to anniversaries, but I think the one-year debut mark has a special meaning for me. This is because so many people have taken care of and loved us since the team CORTIS was formed until we reached this first anniversary. Thank you to everyone. And CORE, we love you.

Q. The most significant growth compared to one year ago and the catalyst for it

Martin: I would point to our stage capabilities. In particular, I think our first tour '2026 CORTIS TOUR <PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN>' and the U.S. music festival 'Lollapalooza Chicago' were the catalysts for our growth. I felt that we live to perform and communicate in front of the audience.

James: It was probably the Lollapalooza stage. It was a performance where I first felt able to completely control myself on stage, combining 100% instinct with 100% reason. When performing on stage, I think we always grow by trying many things, monitoring, and making corrections.

Ju-hoon: I always keep in mind that I must perform well on stage, so my desire for the stage has grown, and I have worked very hard. Rather than a single special catalyst, I think all the experiences I have accumulated so far have served as fertilizer for me.

Sung-hyun: Comparing my first performance to now, I feel that I have grown a lot. At first, I couldn't even find the camera or know what expression to make, so I had no room to spare. Now, I am gradually gaining more composure. I am paying attention to how I can run around the stage as if it were my own space and how I can show ourselves better.

Geon-ho: The more we are active, the more I keep reflecting on why I stand on stage. Also, since our debut, I have physically grown; changes in my voice and height are recorded in videos and photos, so the changes feel even more tangible.

Q. The most meaningful moment during the past year

Martin: It was the day we released the song 'YOUNGCREATORCREW'. I think this song played a big role in building our team's culture. As time went on, the power of the song seemed to grow, which made me feel proud. With this song as a catalyst, the 'YCC Syndrome' became a meme representing a generation, and thanks to that, many people seem to like the song.

James: I would also point to Lollapalooza again. It was a dream stage that I had frequently encountered online even before becoming a trainee. It meant even more because we were able to share it with so many CORE members.

Ju-hoon: Our debut performance is the most memorable. Emotions such as the expectations, excitement, and burden brought by the word 'debut' continuously interacted within me, leading to many thoughts. When I came down from the debut stage, I remember clearly feeling relieved because I realized it was a simpler matter than I had thought.

Sung-hyun: I think we were able to introduce our team to more people through our mini 2nd album 'GREENGREEN'. The fact that this album received a good response and the periods of hard preparation for it were truly meaningful.

Geon-ho: While on tour, I keep feeling why I stand on stage and make music. I think communicating with the audience face-to-face on stage, jumping around together, and creating good memories is the most meaningful thing for me.

Q. The song you have the most attachment to among those released so far

Martin: The title track of our mini 2nd album 'REDRED'. From the moment we started making it, I thought, 'This song feels different,' and after mixing with a rough sound, I became even more convinced. Thanks to that, when choreographing with the members, an iconic 'flapping ears dance' seems to have been born.

James: The intro track of our mini 1st album 'GO!'. It was the first song we officially presented after creating it at Song Camp, and the first song where we choreographed together and shot a self-produced music video. Since it was our very beginning, it has deep meaning for us.

Ju-hoon: The track 'YOUNGCREATORCREW' from our mini 2nd album. I think this song expanded our team's limits and boundaries once again. Thank you for liking this experimental song so much.

Sung-hyun: 'REDRED' and 'ACAI' from the mini 2nd album. 'REDRED' is a song that allowed us to be known by more people. When I hear cheers while singing my part on stage, I feel truly proud, and it makes me feel, 'This is why I meet CORE members.' 'ACAI' has the most attachment because I participated the most in its production process, and it is themed around acai bowls, which are my favorite food.

Geon-ho: 'YOUNGCREATORCREW'. When we debuted, introducing ourselves with the descriptor 'Young Creator Crew' felt awkward, but working on the song with the abbreviation 'YCC' was very fun.

Q. Reflecting on the goals and resolutions set before debut

Martin: I have been resolving since before my debut not to let my passion for music and creation fade away. I think this is a resolution that will never change throughout my life.

James: I tend to value the process more than the goal. Rather than wanting to achieve something, I am grateful just to be able to stand on stage every day. Before debut, I thought it would be good to give our best with the same passion for every performance, and now I am still giving 300% of my best on stage with that same passion.

Sung-hyun: I always approach things with the mindset, 'If you're going to do it, do it right.' I always maintain this mindset.

Q. Thoughts on performing tour shows in six North American cities

Ju-hoon: We don't get many opportunities to meet CORE members who are in the U.S., so it was happy to be able to meet such diverse people and play together. The light of the light sticks in the dark concert hall with the lights off is what I remember most.

Geon-ho: It was our first tour, and since we had to fill the stage with five members, there were many concerns. We practiced a lot because of that, and as we performed, we felt our growth. Each city has distinct characteristics, so I think we will never forget any of them.

Q. Goals you want to achieve in the future and dreams you want to challenge

CORTIS: We want to keep growing continuously. To become better humans and better artists, we will expand our limits and take on new challenges. Through various experiences, we will continue to show good music and art. And in the future, we want to hold tours in arenas and further in stadiums to meet more CORE members.

Q. A word to the CORE members who always support CORTIS

Martin: Thank you so much for always believing in and supporting us. We will also work hard to become a CORTIS that you can be proud of. Let's create many good memories together in the future. We love you, CORE.

James: We received an unbelievable amount of great love over the past year. Thank you so much. In the future, we will strive to bring happiness to you with stages full of passion. Please continue to support us well.

Ju-hoon: Even if I use my whole life, I may not be able to repay all this love, but I will return it little by little in my own way. There is still a very long road ahead. Please continue to support us well.

Sung-hyun: If it weren't for you, we would truly be nothing. Thank you so much for being CORE, and please stay with us forever. We ask for your continued support!

Geon-ho: Aigoo~ CORE members, happy first anniversary! Let's go further together in the future. See you at Hwajeong Gymnasium!

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*This content was translated by AI.