Cortis, the only K-pop artist selected for Billboard's '21 Under 21' in the US

CORTIS was the only K-pop boy group selected this year for Billboard’s ’21 Under 21’ list in the United States. On July 31 (local time), Billboard officially released the ’21 Under 21’ list on its website, selecting 21 artists under the age of 21. CORTIS (Martin, James, Juhoon, Sunghyun, Gunho) was included on this list. Billboard announces the list annually by comprehensively evaluating objective achievements such as album sales, streaming records, social media influence, radio and broadcast exposure, as well as the impact on the music industry and growth potential. Since their debut, CORTIS has continued to achieve global success. Last year, their first album, COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, reached number 15 on the Billboard 200, the main album chart in the U.S., setting the highest record for a K-pop group debut album excluding project groups. In May of this year, their second mini-album, GREENGREEN, entered the same chart at number 3. The title track, REDRED, appeared on the Billboard charts Global 200 and Global (excluding U.S.) for 13 consecutive weeks as of August 1, and ranked 17th on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. In an interview related to this selection, the members cited entering major charts as their proudest moment. ″It was something we had dreamed of for a long time, but facing it in reality made it feel even bigger. Through these experiences, we felt that our music is reaching more people beyond where it started, and we are truly grateful,″ they said. They also added, ″It is moving to see a goal we have long hoped for come true. We realized that our music is reaching more listeners, and we felt especially thankful for that process.″ On July 31, CORTIS surprised fans by releasing a digital single, MOTION (feat. Juicy J), in collaboration with American hip-hop artist Juicy J. On August 1, they performed solo on the stage of Lollapalooza Chicago held at Grant Park, meeting global fans. This performance was live-streamed on Weverse for about 50 minutes starting at 5:05 a.m. KST on August 2. Meanwhile, CORTIS held their first tour, PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN, on July 18 and 19 at Inspire Arena in Incheon. Although it was their first tour since debut, there were criticisms that the concert running time was short at about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and the setlist was weak, with songs REDRED and Young Creator Crew repeated 4 and 5 times respectively. Fans also expressed disappointment over the lack of VCRs or costume changes during the performance.