No one inspires CORTIS like CORTIS

Roughly 50,000 screaming teens swarmed Lollapalooza’s T-Mobile stage on Saturday, August 1, to catch a glimpse of the K-pop boy band CORTIS. Overnight showers at Chicago’s Grant Park had already pushed their set back an hour and shortened it from 60 minutes to 40. Combined with the fact that this was the quintet’s first-ever U.S. festival performance — anticipation was already at a fever pitch. At 3:40 p.m. on the dot, the boy band emerged to thrash to their hits “FaSHioN” and “TNT” and even bring out surprise guest Juicy J for the live debut of their new single “MOTION.” From afar, one could spot gray casts on member Keonho, who was bouncing so hard all over the stage even with two broken pinky fingers.

Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho of CORTIS are the latest wunderkinds of HYBE’s K-pop empire. Since debuting not even a full year ago under the subsidiary label BigHit Music, the machine behind BTS and Tomorrow x Together, the group has become another hit powerhouse, propelled by their trap-inspired earworm “GO!” and subsequent chart-topping sophomore EP, GREENGREEN. The hype was on full display on stage at Lollapalooza but also off the stage, where they maneuvered the festival grounds nearly constantly surrounded by a dozens-strong crew of handlers, assistants, and managers.

Ahead of their Lolla set, The FADER nabbed eight minutes with CORTIS to discuss their ongoing Put Your Phone Down world tour, working with Juicy J and skaiwater, and staying inspired by themselves.

The FADER: What’s the meaning behind your group name?

Martin: CORTIS is based on the idea of “coloring outside the lines.” We took six random letters from the phrase. It means thinking outside the box, breaking the mold, or challenging the norms. We took the idea, mixed up the letters, and that became CORTIS.

You guys have really great style. Do you have any style tips for our readers this summer?

Martin: Cut your pants.

Juhoon: Wear sleeveless T-shirts. Shorts. Show your skin.

How much skin should they show?

Juhoon: As much as they want. [Laughs.]

When you’re in the studio, is there someone who takes on a specific role?

Martin: I’m on my phone a lot writing lyrics in the booth. I don’t even record — usually, I just write lyrics.

You guys just dropped a new single, “MOTION,” with Juicy J. How did that collaboration come together?

James: Before we debuted [in 2025], we had a lot of chances to meet up with him to talk about [collaborating], but also, have conversations about life. Everything is surreal. It’s surreal to work with such a big artist.

Martin: A legend. I was discussing this with my producer, but I grew up listening to Southern hip-hop, and a lot of my music is influenced by that genre. Juicy J really impacted me — how can I not know about him? My producer was like, “I'll put you on the phone with him,” and that’s when we started to link up and lock things in at the studio. Now, “MOTION” is finally out.

You obviously have some really talented producers in your group, but you also work with other people — for example, our May cover star skaiwater. What was it like collaborating with them?

James: They’re awesome. We made a lot of great songs in the studio. I hope we get more chances to work with them. We’re always open to meeting new artists, so if anyone wants to work with us, please hit us up.

Martin: They’re really chill. They’re quiet.

Keonho: Shout out to skaiwater. I love their voice. It’s crazy.

Martin: And read my message, bro!

How did the choreography for your single “GO!” come together?

Keonho: We choreographed it at the studio in Los Angeles. We were very locked in, and it took two days. It came together really fast.

James: It was very organic and fast. I think it’s one of those moments where everything goes smoothly. It was smooth sailing all the way until the end. We finished it very fast and immediately went to eat Korean barbecue.

Martin: That's the routine. If we have a good session, we always go and have Korean barbecue.

What’s your go-to K-BBQ order?

Seonghyeon: Samgyupsal is always my go-to K-BBQ order.

What’s something you guys are inspired by that people would be surprised that you’re inspired by?

James: I think for us, it’s life basically. What may surprise people is that we take inspiration from the mundane in our daily lives.

Martin: Lowkey, I ain't gonna hold you, but we’re inspired by our performances and our music.

Seonghyeon: Yeah. We write lyrics and recap our concerts together.

Keonho: For me, going to new cities is the most inspiring thing. We’re in Chicago. It’s a new city. It’s our first time here at Lollapalooza. I love it.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.