CORTIS Breaks K-Pop Records 2025: BigHit's New Boy Group Chart Success

BigHit Music's rookie group CORTIS achieves historic debut sales and becomes first 2025 boy group to enter major Korean charts

BigHit Music's newest boy group CORTIS has shattered expectations since their August 18, 2025 debut, setting multiple records that establish them as the standout rookie act of the year.

Record-Breaking Album Sales Drive Success

CORTIS's debut EP "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES" sold 436,367 copies in its first week, achieving the highest first-week sales among all rookie groups in 2025 and ranking 4th highest for debut album sales in K-pop history. The album reached 247,000 copies sold on its first day alone, setting another record for 2025 debuts.

This achievement places CORTIS alongside legendary groups, as they are the only boy group this year to surpass 400,000 first-week sales. The sales figures are particularly impressive considering none of the members came from survival shows or had prior debuts.

Viral Streaming Success Powers Chart Entries

The group's streaming performance has been equally impressive. CORTIS managed to take the no. 1 spot on Spotify's Viral 50 - Global with "GO!" and remained within the top 5 in countries like the US, France, and United Kingdom. Their title track "What You Want" also ranked No.1 for a full week on Spotify's Daily Viral Songs Global chart, while "GO!" held No.1 for three consecutive days.

CORTIS became the first 2025 rookie boy group to enter Melon's TOP 100, with "GO!" breaking into Melon's real-time TOP 100 at no. 96 and reaching no. 36 on Melon's HOT 100. Recent chart tracking shows the song climbing from #136 to #117 and eventually reaching #102 on the MelOn Daily Chart.

Multi-Platform Domination

On Apple Music Korea's "Top 100: Today," three CORTIS songs entered the Top 10: intro track "GO!" at No.4, title track "What You Want" at No.8, and follow-up track "FaSHioN" at No.10. The album also entered the U.S. Apple Music Top Albums chart at No. 65 and debuted at No. 2 on Japan's Oricon Daily Album Ranking.

Their social media presence has been equally powerful. The "GO!" dance challenge went viral on TikTok with several uploads surpassing 5 million views and their most-watched video reaching 16 million views, with celebrities like BTS's j-hope participating in the challenge.

The "Young Creator Crew" Concept

Unlike most debuting acts, all five CORTIS members earned credits on their debut project, positioning themselves as a "young creator crew" who co-create music, choreography, and visuals. The five-member lineup consists of Canadian-Korean leader Martin, James from Taipei, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and youngest member Keonho.

Martin has already contributed to tracks for senior HYBE artists including ILLIT's "Magnetic" and TXT's "Deja Vu." The group's name comes from their motto "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES," representing their commitment to breaking conventional standards.

Industry Significance

CORTIS represents BigHit Music's first new boy group in six years since TXT debuted, carrying significant expectations as the next act from BTS and TXT's label. BTS themselves wished the group well, while TXT offered practical performance advice.

Their success demonstrates the continued strength of the BigHit system, with fans from 190 countries tuning in to their debut album release party via Weverse and other platforms. The group's achievement of multiple records without traditional promotional advantages like survival show exposure highlights their organic appeal and the label's strategic development approach.

CORTIS continues promoting their follow-up track "FaSHioN" while their streaming numbers and chart positions suggest sustained momentum well beyond their debut period.