CORTIS Marks First Anniversary With Bigger Goals Ahead

CORTIS celebrated its first debut anniversary on Aug. 18 after a year of rapid growth at home and abroad.

The group's second EP, "GREENGREEN," debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and has remained on the chart for 13 consecutive weeks, while the title track "REDRED" topped multiple music charts. CORTIS' 14 released tracks have also surpassed a combined 1.1 billion streams on Spotify.

The group recently wrapped the North American leg of its sold-out first tour, "2026 CORTIS TOUR 'PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN'," in San Francisco on Aug. 16 and will hold its first-anniversary "BIRTHDAY PARTY" concerts at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul on Aug. 22 and 23.

The following is a Q&A with CORTIS regarding its first anniversary, as provided by BIGHIT MUSIC.

Q. How does it feel to celebrate your first anniversary?

Martin: The past year went by so quickly that it still doesn't feel real. I think I've grown another step both as an artist and as a person. Through all these waves of change, it feels like I've kept swimming and come out stronger. I'm incredibly grateful to COER, the members and everyone at the company who helped me keep going. More than anything, it makes me want to work even harder.

James: Everything happened so quickly that our first anniversary arrived before I even realized it. We've received so much love over the past year, and I'll keep working hard to repay it.

Juhoon: When we first debuted, there were so many uncertainties, but thanks to COER always believing in us, we were able to fill the past year with great memories. Now that we're entering our second year, I want to show how much more we've grown.

Seonghyeon: We've accomplished a lot and made so many precious memories over the past year. I'm incredibly thankful to COER for helping us get this far. This is only the beginning, so I hope you'll keep going with us.

Keonho: I'm not usually someone who pays much attention to anniversaries, but our first debut anniversary feels especially meaningful. So many people have looked after and supported us over the past year. I'm grateful to everyone, and COER, I love you.

Q. What was the most meaningful moment of the past year?

Martin: Releasing "YOUNGCREATORCREW." I think the song played a big role in shaping our team's identity. It's been rewarding to see it grow over time, especially as "YoungCreCre" became a meme and helped more people discover the song.

James: Lollapalooza. It was a dream stage I'd watched online even before becoming a trainee, so getting to perform there with so many COER made it even more meaningful.

Juhoon: Our debut stage. Before debuting, I had so many emotions tied to that moment — excitement, anticipation and pressure. But once I stepped off the stage, I felt a huge sense of relief. I still remember it clearly.

Seonghyeon: Our second EP, "GREENGREEN." I think it introduced CORTIS to more people, and seeing the album receive such a good response made all the time we spent preparing for it especially meaningful.

Keonho: Our first tour. It reminded me why I perform and make music. Connecting with the audience, jumping around together and creating memories with them has been the most meaningful experience for me.

Q. Looking back, have you kept the goals and promises you made before debut?

Martin: Even before debut, I promised myself not to let my passion for music and creating fade. I think that's something I'll hold onto for the rest of my life.

James: I tend to place more meaning on the process than on reaching a particular goal. I'm grateful that I get to perform every day. Before our debut, I wanted to approach every performance with the same passion, and I still try to give 300 percent every time I'm onstage.

Seonghyeon: I've always approached things with the mindset that if I'm going to do something, I should do it properly. That's something I still stick to.

Q. What goals or challenges do you want to take on next?

CORTIS: We want to keep growing. We'll continue pushing our limits and taking on new challenges so we can become better people and better artists. Through different experiences, we want to keep showing better music and art. We also hope to tour arenas and eventually stadiums so we can meet even more COER.