They caught attention by ranking without official debut just two months after release.
The group, under HYBE, seeks to expand into global markets.
[TV Daily Reporter Choi Hana] K-POP group CORTIS has made its mark as the only debut group of 2025 to be featured on Billboard Japan's annual album chart.
According to the annual chart released on December 5, CORTIS's debut album, ‘COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES’, has secured the 87th spot on the 'Top Album Sales' list. This ranking is based on actual album sales and serves as a key indicator of the group's fanbase size in Japan. It is especially notable that a newcomer, not officially debuted in Japan, made it onto the chart just two months after the album's release in Korea.
Last month, they held a solo showcase in Tokyo, attracting significant attention from fans and media alike. This event was highlighted in articles by five major sports outlets, showcasing the considerable interest surrounding the group. Additionally, they have received invitations from popular music programs such as TBS's ‘CDTV Live! Live!’ and various morning shows, further extending their reach. Their debut album's intro track, ‘GO!’, spent five consecutive days at number one on Japan's Spotify 'Daily Viral Songs', marking another significant achievement in the streaming charts.
CORTIS's recent achievement goes beyond just a notable ranking. Their explosive popularity in Korea, coupled with a positive reception in Japan, heightens their chances of establishing themselves as global artists. Notably, achieving this feat before officially debuting in Japan symbolically showcases the strength of their fandom and the group's potential.
Musically, ‘COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES’ incorporates experimental elements across various genres, appealing to listeners of diverse age groups. The intro track ‘GO!’ features a lively and energetic beat, which garnered significant interest from fans. This effective musical approach likely contributed positively to their chart performance.
Finally, CORTIS's growth hints at expansion into global markets beyond Korea, including Japan and the United States. As a part of HYBE's music group, they were further spotlighted by winning the 'Rookie of the Year' award at the 2025 MAMA AWARDS. Should this positive trend continue, CORTIS is expected to play a crucial role in the globalization of K-POP.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: Big Hit Music
