Recently, the debut of CORTIS — the third boy group directly managed by BIGHIT MUSIC (a subsidiary of HYBE) after BTS and TXT — has captured the attention of global fans. The group is not only in the spotlight thanks to the dazzling legacy of their predecessors, but they are also raising expectations as they are described to have several groundbreaking qualities compared to typical K-pop groups.
“CORTIS” is an acronym for Color Outside the Lines, carrying a powerful message: free thinking, breaking norms, and going beyond the boundaries set by society. The group was introduced as a “Young Creator Crew”, where members directly participate in songwriting, production, choreography, and creative direction.
Members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho of this rookie “super rookie” group have naturally been receiving interview requests from major media outlets. On the 20th of this month, they sat down with Spotify to greet fans and share stories, with one standout moment being their motivations to become K-pop idols.
When asked about the artist he admires, Martin immediately mentioned RM, υиєχρє¢тє∂ly revealing that RM was the very reason he joined BIGHIT MUSIC to become an idol.
“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,” Martin said.
Martin’s shoutout to RM as his greatest motivation for joining BIGHIT MUSIC delighted fans. It turns out RM is not only the spiritual leader of BTS but also a “magnet” attracting talented individuals into the Big Hit family.
Fans were reminded of a similar case with Jungkook, who once revealed that he chose Big Hit Music over several other major companies (who had also invited him to join) because when he visited the company, he was deeply impressed by RM’s rap sкιℓℓs, aura, and charisma.
On the other hand, beyond his admiration for RM, the members of CORTIS also shared some valuable advice they had received from their superstar seniors, BTS. Martin continued: “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.”
Juhoon added: “Another piece of advice BTS gave us is that a lot of people may think it’s the end once you debut. But actually, the debut is just the beginning, so there’s no need to be perfect. Show improvement and keep evolving as you go. That’s been helping me a lot for where we are right now in this particular moment in time when I’m just about to debut.”
In the end, fans concluded that RM seems to be the role model and top source of inspiration for many young idols in the industry. They were also struck by the remarkable influence of BTS as a whole, and RM in particular:
- It also happened to my friend jungkook. Hybe should just build a Namjoon statue atp
- It feels so proud whenever new idols talk about their admiration for RM. our leader is so talented, he deserves all the love wishing the best to Martin and the group, I've been loving your debut songs sm
- Jungkook joined bigнιт because he thought namjoon was cool. Years later, martin joined as the same reason as jungkook.
- Joon catching fans for the entire time he’s been actively doing music which is basically his entire life like so many people admire you joonie
- In conclusion namjoon the father of kpop
- Namjoon isn't just pulling idols but talented idols to company
- I think it's admirable that idols from 3rd and 5th gen (12 years apart) joined this company precisely because of namjoon i think It's time to build a RM statue at Hybe
- Martin choosing BigHit because of RM is so wholesome. RM really is a true leader and inspiration
- It’s amazing how RM not only leads BTS but also motivates future idols like CORTIS members
- This reminds me of Jungkook joining BigHit after being impressed by RM. His influence is unmatched
- RM is literally the blueprint — even rookies see him as the standard of leadership
