Newcomers With No Pre-fame Boost Just Broke 500K Sales
Forget survival show hype or months of social media build-up—rookie boy group CORTIS just carved out a historic moment in K-pop the old-fashioned way: raw talent and irresistible tracks.
Their debut EP, COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, released on September 8, has officially surpassed 500,000 sales, according to Korea’s HANTEO Chart. That’s no small feat—especially considering it took them just roughly 14 days to hit that milestone.
Top 4 in Debut Album History—No Big Promo Machine Needed
Topping 436,000 units within the first week alone, CORTIS now boasts the fourth-highest debut sales in K-pop history for a rookie group. What’s striking? Unlike many debut groups that fizzle post-launch, their sales actually increased by around 15% the following week—something almost unheard of in the industry.
This steady growth signals one thing: the fandom isn’t just big—it’s multiplying. Word of mouth, impressive live stages, and dynamic styling are helping CORTIS organically pick up new fans every day.
Viral Performances and MelOn Chart Success
From the high-octane “GO!” intro to the stylish banger “FaSHioN” and their slick title track “What You Want”, CORTIS has been showing serious range in both genre and vibe. Fans and first-time viewers alike have been wowed by their live vocal stability, self-choreographed stages, and overflowing charisma.
Notably, they’re the first debut boy group of 2025 to enter the MelOn Daily Chart—a feat that gives credibility beyond fanbase power. And yes, their dance challenges are going viral, but so are the members’ fits and their now-signature photo angles. TikTok and Instagram are eating them up.
From BTS’s House, With Fresh Flavor
Signed under HYBE’s BIGHIT MUSIC (yes, that’s BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s label), CORTIS is the company’s first boy group launch in six years—and clearly, they knew the assignment.
The group debuted at #15 on the Billboard 200 with COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, making it the highest-charting debut album by a non-project K-pop group. They’re also the only 2025 K-pop rookie to land on the Billboard 200 so far, and the first in four years to break into the Top 20.
The New Blueprint for Rookie Success?
CORTIS proves that with the right mix—killer music, polished performances, and an aesthetic that screams “replay-worthy”—even a newly debuted group can crash the top tier without a 10-episode reality intro.
So what’s next? With momentum like this, don’t be surprised if they snag a Rookie of the Year trophy… or several.
