On the evening of November 29, 2025, the second day of the 2025 MAMA Awards took place in Hong Kong under unusual conditions. The city was recently rocked by a major fire that had quite a wide impact. The emergency situation forced the organizers to adjust the event significantly.
Many of the magnificent elements that usually characterize MAMA had to be removed for safety reasons. This year, there was no red carpet, no fireworks display, and none of the fire - themed visual effects that typically make up the event.
All of these were removed to ensure the event could proceed safely. The artists in attendance were asked to exercise restraint and maintain their on - stage behavior. They were given specific instructions to strictly follow fire safety protocols.
However, in the midst of this calmer atmosphere, one group managed to break the silent atmosphere with extraordinary energy, CORTIS. Despite performing alongside big names like aespa, TXT, and G-DRAGON, this rookie group managed to steal the public's attention with their powerful performances of two songs, " GO!" and " FaSHioN ".
Their performance opened with a special intro by Martin, one of the members, who performed with a full set of musical instruments and production equipment. The moment gave a strong impression of their identity as a self - produced group. After the intro, CORTIS immediately took off with sharp choreography and a confident performance.
Their energy felt unstoppable. One audience member described the performance as if the members were “ possessed by the spirit of the stage.” The fans’ screams almost drowned out the stadium’s audio system.
Despite having debuted less than six months ago, CORTIS' stage presence is considered on par with senior idols, making the public increasingly understand why they are considered one of Korea's brightest rookies. Their popularity was evident, both from the live reaction at the venue and their rapid growth on social media.
This spotlight culminated in their win for Best New Artist that night. This award further solidifies their position as the most prominent rookie group of the new generation. Under BigHit Music, CORTIS consists of five members: Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho.
The name CORTIS itself is an abbreviation of “Color Outside the Lines”, which describes their character as a creative group that dares to break boundaries. The concept of “Young Creator Crew” is their trademark, because the members are directly involved in the music and visual production process.
Their achievements are also seen from the achievement of their debut album which recorded the fourth highest sales in K-pop history , as well as entering the Billboard 200 at number 15, an extraordinary achievement for a new group.
With songs like " GO! ", " What You Want, " and " FaSHioN " going viral globally, and a winning streak ranging from the TikTok Awards Korea to the MAMA Awards , CORTIS is proving that they are not just a passing phenomenon, but a rising force shaping the future of K-pop.
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