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CORTIS’ Martin revealed that BTS’ RM had advised that a leader’s role “is to be there to re-energise the members when they’re tired.”
CORTIS comprises Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho. (Photo Source: Instagram)
K-pop group CORTIS isn’t shying away from opening up about their inspiration. Formed under BigHit Music, the agency behind K-pop groups BTS and TXT, the rookie group, which comprises members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, made their debut last month. Within a short time, they have been making waves in the industry with their impressive music.
Following the release of their first EP, Colour Outside the Lines, the group sat for an interview with W Korea, where they spoke about their inspiration. CORTIS’ leader, Martin, revealed that BTS’s leader, RM, aka Kim Namjoon, has shaped the way he looks at music and leadership. “I first discovered BTS through my older sister’s recommendation, and while I’ve always loved music, watching them solidified my own vision for what kind of company I want to join and what kind of music I want to make,” he shared.
Martin Reveals What BTS’ RM Advised Him
Recalling what RM had advised him when he was starting out, Martin added, “RM once advised me, ‘A leader’s role is to be there to re-energise the members when they’re tired,’ and I’ve always kept that in mind.” He continued, “I also can’t forget a chance interview where he said, ‘The position of leader is just the last trophy, and without the team, we wouldn’t have achieved success.’”
James Says His Inspirations Are Michael Jackson and BTS’ Jimin
Meanwhile, CORTIS’ member James revealed that his music inspiration extends beyond K-pop. Sharing that Michael Jackson has been one of his biggest inspirations, he said, “Michael Jackson’s ability to completely dominate the stage was truly amazing.” Then, James recalled the late pop icon’s 1993 Super Bowl halftime show, where he stood still for over a minute and then removed his sunglasses.
The K-pop idol mentioned that he was so mesmerised by Michael Jackson’s “ability to unite the vast audience without moving a muscle” that he started listening to him. James further added, “Then, the moment I saw BTS’ Jimin perform Serendipity, I think the dream of becoming an idol blossomed within me.”
When Did CORTIS Debut?
BigHit Music introduced CORTIS in early August, its first K-pop boy band in six years. Just days after, the five-member group made their debut with the single, What You Want, on August 18. The boyband then released their first EP, Color Outside the Lines, on September 8, along with the music video for the B-side track FaSHioN. The EP’s release show was held at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium and was livestreamed on Weverse, YouTube, and TikTok.
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More
September 24, 2025, 15:49 IST
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