By Shim Sun-ah
K-pop sensation Cortis, the five-member group comprising Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, recently showcased “RedRed,” the dynamic lead track from their highly anticipated second EP, “GreenGreen.” This media event in Seoul preceded the album’s official release on May 4, marking the band’s exciting return after an eight-month hiatus.
During the showcase, the members emphasized that “RedRed” embodies Cortis’ signature free-spirited approach and a distinctive “raw” sonic texture. Member Juhoon elaborated on the track’s lyrical depth, stating, “The color red symbolizes elements we wish to distance ourselves from, while green signifies our aspirations.”
James revealed that the creative process for “RedRed” involved deliberately shedding anything that didn’t align with their authentic identity or artistic preferences. He added, “This meticulous process was crucial in helping us truly grasp our core artistic desires.”
Elaborating on their artistic ethos, Martin explained that Cortis consciously avoids the confines of fixed genre frameworks. “Our primary focus was to move beyond genre boundaries,” he stated, highlighting the extensive collaborative discussions with producers and within the group that fueled experimentation across diverse sounds and textures.
BigHit Music, the group’s agency, proudly describes the resulting track as music “that cannot be confined to a single genre.” Furthermore, the lyrics of “RedRed” powerfully articulate Cortis’ rejection of societal pressures, including “being easily swayed by others’ opinions,” “constantly reading the room,” and the pretense of “being ‘cool’.”
The accompanying music video for “RedRed” further amplifies this commitment to authenticity by embracing a strong sense of realism. It features minimal styling and was filmed in relatable, everyday locations such as a traditional Korean barbecue restaurant, a vibrant game arcade, and a charming vintage shop. James shared, “We aimed to present our true selves, even showing minor details like dark circles.”
The “GreenGreen” EP is a six-track offering, featuring other compelling songs like “TNT,” “ACAI,” “YoungCreatorCrew,” “Wassup,” and “Blue Lips.” Notably, all members received credits on multiple tracks, showcasing their deep involvement in the album’s creation.
Cortis’ hands-on approach extended to co-producing a significant portion of the album during an intensive songwriting camp held in Los Angeles. The members also played crucial roles in developing the choreography and contributing to the overall video production, underscoring their comprehensive artistic vision.
Martin highlighted their dedication to crafting a high-quality product, stating, “We aimed to deliver exceptional quality while collaborating with renowned producers, which required intense study and hard work.”
James articulated his vision for “GreenGreen,” explaining his desire to create music with a “truly raw” sound. This led him to experiment with instruments and rhythms entirely new to the group’s previous discography.
“During the mixing phase, I questioned if the sound could be pushed to such limits,” James recalled. “However, upon completion, the excitement was palpable, and the final, crucial touches seamlessly brought everything together. I was instantly convinced it would be a hit, deeply appreciating the raw sonic aesthetic we achieved.”
Cortis made their impactful debut in August 2025 under BigHit Music, the renowned label responsible for global K-pop phenomena BTS and the company’s first boy group launch since Tomorrow X Together in 2019. Their debut EP, “Color Outside the Lines,” achieved astounding success, selling over 2.06 million copies according to Circle Chart, thereby setting a groundbreaking record for a K-pop debut release.
The anticipation for “GreenGreen” is equally immense, with pre-orders already exceeding 2.02 million copies as of last Monday. This remarkable pre-order volume strongly positions the group to secure a second consecutive double million-selling album, further solidifying their rapid ascent in the K-pop industry.
When questioned about the group’s meteoric rise to fame, Martin attributed their success to Cortis’ unwavering commitment to authenticity. “Our core philosophy is to present our genuine, everyday selves,” he affirmed. “I believe fans deeply resonate with this authenticity and our strong team chemistry.”
