The Highest-Charting K-pop Boy Group Debut in Years
Rookie K-pop act CORTIS just pulled off what most new groups only dream of. Their debut EP, COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, landed at No.15 on the Billboard 200—a feat no other K-pop boy group has achieved straight out of the gate in the last four years.
According to Billboard’s latest rankings (dated September 27), CORTIS is the only K-pop act that debuted this year to break into the chart. And if you exclude all-star project groups, this is the highest debut ranking for any K-pop group’s first album. Yes, they’re already making history—and they’ve barely taken off.
More Than a Billboard Breakthrough
Their chart domination didn’t stop there. The EP smashed its way to:
- No.3 on Top Album Sales
- No.3 on Top Current Album Sales
- No.2 on World Albums
Meanwhile, their lead track “GO!” entered the Billboard Global 200 at No.180, and both “GO!” (No.136) and “FaSHioN” (No.198) charted on Global Excl. U.S. These rankings reflect global streams and downloads, marking CORTIS as one to watch across continents.
A DIY Powerhouse of Creative Teens
CORTIS isn’t just another pretty-faced boy band. Dubbed a “young creator crew,” the five-member team builds their own songs, dances, and visuals. According to BIGHIT MUSIC, their largest Spotify listenership comes from the U.S.—proof that their polished chaos resonates with a global audience.
Media outlets like Rolling Stone and tmrw magazine praised their raw and rebellious vibe. “They aren’t concerned with polished perfection,” tmrw noted. “Their music feels alive—urgent, raw, and totally genuine.”
tmrw also highlighted that the group collectively shaped the EP’s look and sound, down to the lyrics, choreography, and color palette: “That obsession is their superpower.”
Viral On-Stage Energy and YouTube Buzz
The music videos, co-directed by all five members, didn’t just rack up views—they ignited discussion. Clips for “GO!,” “What You Want,” and “FaSHioN” stormed YouTube trending lists in the U.S., with fans and YouTubers decoding every frame.
Performance-wise, their live stages have been turning heads. Tight vocals paired with self-choreographed routines gave them a fan-fueled boost on music shows. The result? A wildfire of dance challenges on social media, and “GO!” soaring to No.2 on Spotify USA’s Daily Viral Songs chart.
The HYBE Legacy Marches On
CORTIS is the first boy group debut under BIGHIT MUSIC (home to BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER) in six years. With only a month since going public, their debut already echoes across the globe.
As they break the mold and break records, the big question is: What’s next for CORTIS?
