Unlike the Western market, K-pop operates within a system that can be described as a legacy-driven system or heritage-based branding. If a new group debuts under a company that already boasts multiple highly successful senior groups, that group will naturally attract significant attention from the very beginning. Put simply, au∂ιєnces are likely already familiar with labels such as “the juniors of Group A” or “the successors to Group B.”
Due to this industry dynamic being particularly prevalent during the 2010s, BTS — BigHit Entertainment’s first boy group — faced a lack of attention and respect at their debut because they had no predecessors to pave the way. However, following BTS’s monumental success, BigHit got a solid foundation of prestige to launch two more boy groups, TXT and CORTIS.
While the talent of these young idols is undeniable, it is equally difficult to ignore the fact that many people were initially drawn to them because they were juniors of BTS.
Moreover, the promotional strategies applied by the company for both groups were firmly rooted in this core dynamic. When TXT debuted, BigHit promoted them as “Next Generation Leaders,” implicitly positioning them in relation to their superstar seniors. With CORTIS, BigHit emphasized the group’s self-producing model, refined sкιℓℓs, and mature image—reflecting, in part, a framework that BTS had already proven successful. As a result, from the moment of their debut, the group was regarded by the media as a strong contender for the title of “the next BTS.”
This level of attention is, of course, a clear advantage for young idols, but it also comes with considerable pressure. Comparisons are inevitable, as is the expectation to “carry on BTS’s legacy,” especially when their seniors are among the most successful K-pop artists of all time. The label “the next BTS” thus becomes a sensitive and potentially controversial topic if TXT or CORTIS fail to navigate it carefully.
During their early debut period, CORTIS encountered such situations on multiple occasions. Surprisingly, however, despite being brand-new rookies, they managed to handle these sensitive moments with remarkable finesse—particularly their leader, Martin.
One notable example occurred during an interview with host Park Myung-soo on KBS CoolFM, where the host introduced them by saying, “This is the second BTS.” In response, Martin tactfully replied, “Today is our first live broadcast, so we’ll do our very best,” while admitting: “I feel a lot of pressure, but I’m approaching this with the same sense of responsibility.”
When Park Myung-soo added, "I like BTS and I’m very close with them. I’m also close with TXT members, including Yeonjun. This is Big Hit’s first boy group in six years", Martin went on to share his own connection to senior RM. “My sister has been a huge BTS fan since I was young, and I’ve always looked up to RM as my role model. Recently, I’ve received a lot of advice from him as a leader,” he shared.
Martin’s handling of questions related to BTS was met with praise from fans. It was far from an easy situation for a rookie group that had debuted only days earlier. The weight of titles like “the second BTS” or “the next BTS” is so heavy that even TXT, six years into their career, have never openly accepted such labels or responded to similar situations lightly.
On the other hand, by neither denying nor directly rejecting the comparisons, Martin and CORTIS avoided being perceived as disrespectful toward BTS or the host. Instead, his sincere remarks subtly emphasized the group’s sense of responsibility—that they are striving to live up to high expectations while continuing to work hard to establish their own identity. Fans also appreciated the humility and professionalism Martin displayed on behalf of CORTIS.
Previously, CORTIS members had spoken openly on several occasions about their friendship with BTS. In an interview with Spotify, when asked about the artist he admires the most, Martin answered without hesitation: “RM sunbae-nim from BTS! He’s the reason why I came into this company. There’s a lot I can learn from him as a leader. I respect him a lot.”
In an interview with JoongAng Daily, CORTIS also shared the support they received from BTS during their debut period: “One piece of advice that BTS gave us when we met them in person during j-hope’s concert was that we should never take things for granted. They’ve told us to stay humble, and their encouragement pushed us to train even harder.”
Another piece of advice from BTS to their juniors, frequently cited by the media, was that “BTS gave us the advice to do well by the people that you’re working with, the staff. And I feel like that’s all that matters. To нιт a long run, you’ve got to be good to the people around you. You’ve got to show love.”
Ultimately, the relationship between BTS and CORTIS appears to be just as close as the brotherly bond BTS have maintained with TXT over the years. Drawing inspiration from and learning from their seniors, CORTIS are striving to write a new chapter in their own careers. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly anticipating more moments of interaction between the two groups—particularly a full, multi-generational “BigHit Music family” photoshoot, soмєтнing that has long been awaited as the company welcomes another new group into its roster.
