CORTIS's 2nd EP, 'GREENGREEN'

BIGHIT MUSIC

Everything is looking ‘GREENGREEN’ for CORTIS.

The K-pop rookies have released their 2nd EP, GREENGREEN, showcasing their connection as the next generation of global creative artists.

Known as a “creator crew,” taking part in every creative process in their music, CORTIS – comprised of members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho – have been recognized and celebrated for their approach, winning Best New Artist at the MAMA Awards and the Golden Disc Awards. Their first EP, COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200, with their streams for songs, “GO!,” “What You Want,” and “FaSHioN,” surpassing 400 million cumulative streams on Spotify within five months of release.

The group continues their hands-on approach to music production, writing and composing each track, including their lead single, “REDRED,” which was pre-released on April 20. The track uses red and green to represent what they’re willing to stop and what they're willing to go forward with, while maintaining a catchy hook and dance beat. Since its release, “REDRED” has gained traction across global streaming platforms, including Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global and Apple Music’s Top 100: Global.

Their EP contains six tracks, each representing a different and distinct sound for the young artists. With “REDRED,” its high-energy beats, catchy hooks, and addictive choreography linger even after the song ends. “YOUNGCREATORCREW,” which premiered during the group’s NBA Crossover Concert Series, was another infectious track with engaging choreography that embraced the group’s title. They continue the catchy tracks with “ACAI,” the group’s favorite ‘superfood,’ which has become part of their daily ritual. The group slows it down with the final two tracks, “Wassup” and “Blue Lips,” which have more mellow, laid-back rhythms. “Wassup” reflects the group’s humility; though they have found success, they’re still themselves. This reflects Martin’s own comment that he’s still the same guy he was when he went to school. “Blue Lips” is an introspection of the aftermath of CORTIS’s drive and what it leaves behind.

Their track, “TNT,” which comes with an official music video, is, as its name suggests, explosive. At its core, the song represents the group’s combustible passion and energy for the music: “Five brats in a room every night / At the studio PC waking their DNA. Firing neurons / bring the fire, just like TNT.” The music video, directed by IDIOTS & CORTIS, tells another story, giving Netflix’s All of Us Are Dead vibes as the members are chased by more than 500 people across Seoul. It reflects the group’s explosion onto the scene and the chaos and anxiety that unfold as they try to navigate it all. Though the members did not state it, the video also feels like a callout to recent reports of unruly crowds and disturbing fan behavior that they’ve faced since their debut.

Many fans are excited for the release of the new EP, with pre-orders for GREENGREEN crossing the 2 million mark within two weeks of its opening and surpassing 1 million pre-saves at that time. It was No. 2 on Spotify’s global Countdown Chart.

CORTIS is set to make their Lollapalooza debut this August in Chicago. They will be the only male K-pop group present at the festival. Other K-pop groups in the lineup include JENNIE, aespa, and i-dle.

CORTIS’s GREENGREEN is available now on all streaming platforms. Physical albums are available at select retailers.