BigHit Music's CORTIS Debuts Strong with "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES" Album Sales
BigHit Music's newest five-member boy group CORTIS made their mark in the competitive K-pop landscape with the release of their debut EP "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES" on September 8, 2025. The album sold over 103,000 copies on its first day according to Hanteo Chart, demonstrating solid commercial performance for a rookie group.
Chart Performance and Sales Success
The debut album secured 2nd place on Hanteo's daily album chart, a notable achievement considering the saturated market with established artists releasing new music simultaneously. This performance positions CORTIS among the year's most successful debut acts.
The album also gained traction internationally, charting on iTunes "Top Albums" in 18 countries including Japan, the United States, and Canada by 10 AM on September 9. Key international achievements include reaching #37 in the US market and claiming the top spot in Singapore.
Viral Content Drives Engagement
The EP's intro track "GO!" reached #71 on Bugs' real-time Top 100 chart at 11 PM on September 8 - an unusual accomplishment for a rookie group's B-side track. The song's choreography has sparked dance challenges across social media platforms, amplifying the group's digital presence.
The music video for follow-up track "FaSHioN" surpassed 1 million views within 12 hours of release, indicating strong fan engagement and anticipation for the group's content.
Creative Approach Sets Them Apart
CORTIS distinguishes themselves through hands-on creative involvement. All five members are credited across the album and participated in choreography and music video production. The debut album process began with a single question: "What You Want?" Over two years, the members wrote more than 300 songs before selecting five tracks that best represent their identity.
The group's name stands for "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES," reflecting their commitment to breaking conventional boundaries rather than conforming to predetermined industry standards.
Market Context and Significance
CORTIS marks BigHit Music's first new group since TXT debuted six years ago, making their debut highly anticipated within the industry. The group consists of Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, with members bringing diverse international backgrounds including Canadian-Korean heritage.
Their debut strategy included a phased rollout: pre-debut single "GO!" on August 11, official debut single "What You Want" on August 18, and the full EP "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES" on September 8.
The strong debut performance indicates positive reception for BigHit Music's investment in developing a new generation of artists who prioritize creative authenticity alongside commercial success. With solid first-day sales and international recognition, CORTIS has established a foundation for future growth in the competitive K-pop market.