[Dispatch=Lee Myung-ju Reporter] CORTIS has been named the most influential artist under 21.

US Billboard released its '21 Under 21' list on the 1st (Korea time) through its homepage. CORTIS was the only K-pop boy group to make the list.

The media has selected '21 Under 21' each year by considering quantitative indicators such as album sales, streaming volume, social media exposure, radio and TV reach, as well as influence.

The group debuted last year with 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES'. The album ranked 15th on Billboard's main album chart, 'Billboard 200'.

It is the highest ranking for a K-pop group debut album excluding project teams. Their second mini album 'GREENGREEN', released in May, went directly to 3rd on the chart.

The title track 'REDRED' is having a long run. The song charted for 13 consecutive weeks on 'Global 200' and 'Global (excluding US)'. It also peaked at 17th on 'Bubbling Under Hot 100'.

Members gave interviews to commemorate the selection. When Sung Hyun was asked about his most proud moment, he said, "When our debut album entered the 'Billboard 200' chart."

He said, "It felt like a dream. I still can't believe it" and added, "I realized our music is reaching more people. We are truly grateful."

Global girl groups from domestic entertainment companies also garnered attention. KATSEYE and Girl Set made it onto the '21 Under 21' list. KATSEYE made the list for the second consecutive year.

Meanwhile, CORTIS surprise-released the digital single 'MOTION' on the 31st of last month. It is a song containing the team's ambitious aspirations.

<Photo provided=BIGHIT MUSIC>