The entertainment industry is ever-changing. The rise and fall of artists helps the evolution of art across the world, where new talent replaces old. However,
the current scenario in K-pop is a bit different. We have BTS' big comeback lined up and the group, that is more than a decade old, is still as popular as it was before the members left for their respective military duties. While BTS is still thriving, it looks like the band's successor is ready! The rise of CORTIS has sparked an inevitable question within the global music industry. Are we witnessing the emergence of the next worldwide K-pop phenomenon after BTS? While comparisons are ambitious, the rookie group’s early achievements suggest a trajectory that deserves serious attention.
Is CORTIS the new BTS?
Even after being a rookie group, CORTIS has firmly established its presence on the US Billboard charts, maintaining a remarkable run for 20 consecutive weeks. According to Billboard’s latest chart dated January 31, the group’s debut album Color Outside the Lines ranked 26th on Top Album Sales and 20th on Top Current Album Sales, charts that track physical album purchases in the United States. Even more notably, the album secured the 6th position on the World Albums chart, showing the group’s expanding global footprint, just like BTS.
For a newly debuted K-pop act, such sustained performance is exceptionally rare. The continued demand for Color Outside the Lines shows a growing US fan base, further supported by Weverse Shop data, where the United States ranks among the top regions for cumulative album sales. This level of overseas traction typically takes years to build, yet CORTIS has achieved it within months of debut.
Global popularity of CORTIS
The group, consisting of Martin, James, Joo Hoon, Sung Hyun, and Gun Ho, entered the scene with a six-track EP that quickly went viral. Hip-hop driven tracks like Go! and Fashion, along with punk-influenced What You Want helped define their bold, experimental sound. While the EP draws from familiar influences, it signals strong creative potential and a clear sense of direction. Their popularity is further reflected on streaming platforms, where CORTIS currently boasts approximately 8.27 million monthly listeners on Spotify, making them the most-streamed rookie group at present.
CORTIS in The USA
Beyond music charts, CORTIS is attracting attention from major American industries. The group was recently named a Friend of the NBA and will headline the NBA Crossover Concert Series at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 12, becoming the first Korean artists to do so. They are also set to release Mention Me, a track featured in Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming 2026 film GOAT, produced by the team behind K-Pop Demon Hunters with NBA star Stephen Curry serving as a producer.
Their association with Bighit Music naturally invites comparisons to BTS, the group that redefined global K-pop success. BTS built their empire through years of consistent storytelling, fan love and chart-breaking releases, eventually becoming a cultural force far beyond music. While CORTIS is still at the beginning of its journey, the infrastructure, international exposure, and rapid fan growth echo early signs seen in BTS’s rise.
Whether CORTIS will reach BTS-level dominance remains to be seen. However, with strong Billboard performance, crossover appeal, and growing global recognition, the group is no longer just a promising rookie act. They are shaping up to be one of the most compelling new names in the global music conversation.
