Rookie Group CORTIS Makes Waves with Billboard 200 Debut for 'Color Outside the Lines'

Rookie group CORTIS has achieved a remarkable global breakthrough just one month after their debut. Their first EP, 'Color Outside the Lines,' has landed one of the strongest Billboard 200 debuts ever for a K-pop act.

Entering the Billboard 200 chart dated September 27 at number 15, CORTIS, comprised of members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Geonho, secured the second-highest debut for a K-pop group's first album. This achievement is even more significant as it marks the highest debut for a group not formed from pre-existing popular members.

Among rookies debuting this year, CORTIS is the sole K-pop act to reach the Billboard 200, and they are the first K-pop boy group in four years to have their debut album enter the Top 20.

Beyond the main album chart, 'Color Outside the Lines' also claimed the No. 3 spot on both the Top Album Sales and Top Current Album Sales charts, and No. 2 on the World Albums chart. These successes contributed to the group's debut at No. 24 on the Artist 100 chart.

On the singles front, the intro track 'GO!' debuted at No. 180 on the Billboard Global 200. Additionally, 'GO!' charted at No. 136 and 'FaSHioN' at No. 198 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart.

Their chart success has been met with widespread critical acclaim. Rolling Stone lauded CORTIS as "a new kind of K-pop group, unconstrained by convention." Furthermore, tmrw magazine highlighted their creative involvement, stating, "From lyrics to choreography to LP design, the members were involved in every detail. That persistence gives the album its vibrancy."

A key element of CORTIS's appeal is their identity as a "young creator crew." The members actively co-produce their music, craft their choreography, and develop their visuals, even co-directing their music videos. Their music videos for 'GO!', 'What You Want,' and 'FaSHioN' trended on YouTube in the U.S., inspiring analysis and reaction videos from creators intrigued by the group's raw perspective.

The group's powerful live vocals and self-made choreography have also fueled viral attention. Dance challenges for their song 'GO!' have spread rapidly across social media, propelling the track to No. 2 on Spotify's U.S. Daily Viral Songs chart.

Supported by BigHit Music, the label behind global sensations BTS and Tomorrow X Together, CORTIS represents the company's first new boy group in six years. After just one month, they have already made a significant impact on the Billboard charts, setting high expectations for their future endeavors.

CORTIS distinguished themselves as a 'creator crew' even before their debut, with members actively participating in the entire album production process. Beyond music production, they also took on co-directing roles for their music videos, establishing a unique visual identity. This hands-on approach resonates authentically with their fans, laying a strong foundation for their growing fanbase.