[Dispatch=Lee Myung-ju Reporter] "I will work hard to repay all the love."

CORTIS marked their first anniversary. They made their debut in the music industry on August 18 last year with the title track "What You Want" from their first EP.

They chose differentiation from other boy groups. They co-created music, videos, and choreography. They gained popularity being called the "Young Creator Crew."

They set various records over the year. They surpassed 15 million Instagram followers, 1.1 billion Spotify streams, and 5.25 million album sales.

In particular, their second mini album "GREENGREEN" ranked No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and remained on the charts for 13 consecutive weeks. It is the longest chart run for a rookie boy group.

The title track "REDRED" swept No. 1 on domestic and international music charts. It achieved No. 1 on the Melon daily chart and won their first music show grand slam.

CORTIS recently completed their first tour "PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN" North American shows. They will hold their first anniversary concert on August 22-23 at Korea University's Hwajung Gymnasium in Seoul.

<CORTIS Q&A Below>

Q. Your thoughts on reaching your first anniversary

Martin: Time has passed so quickly that it feels unreal. It was a year where I grew as an artist and as a person. In the midst of all this change and waves, I feel like I've managed to survive and become a stronger fish. I'm really grateful to COER, our fandom, the members, and company staff who have kept me from losing strength. I feel it's a great happiness and fortune, and I think most about having to work even harder going forward.

James: Everything has gone by so quickly that I've reached our first anniversary without realizing it. It still doesn't feel real. I will work hard to repay all the love we received over the past year.

Joohoon: I'm thankful we safely reached our first anniversary. When we first debuted, so many things were uncertain. Thanks to COER who always believed in us, I was able to fill the past year with good memories. Now as we enter our second year, I will work hard to show more growth. Fighting!

Sunghyun: Over this past year—short or long—we've accomplished so much and created precious memories. I'm so grateful to COER for getting us here. Without you, we and this first anniversary wouldn't have meant much. This is just the beginning, so please continue with us in good momentum!

Gunho: I'm not usually one to mark anniversaries, but the first anniversary of our debut feels very significant. So many people have cared for and loved us as the team CORTIS was created and reached one year. I'm grateful to everyone. And COER, I love you.

Q. The biggest area of growth compared to a year ago and the turning point

Martin: I would point to stage capability. Especially the first tour "2026 CORTIS TOUR <PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN>" and the American music festival "Lollapalooza Chicago" were turning points for this growth. I realized I'm living to perform and communicate in front of audiences.

James: I think it was the Lollapalooza stage. It was a performance where 100% instinct and 100% reason combined, and I felt for the first time that I could fully control myself on stage. When performing, I always seem to grow through trying a lot, monitoring, and making adjustments.

Joohoon: I always have the thought that I must do well on stage, so my ambition for the stage has grown and I put in a lot of effort. Rather than one specific turning point, I think all the experiences I've accumulated so far have served as nourishment for me.

Sunghyun: Comparing my first stage to now, I feel I've grown so much. At first, I couldn't even find the camera and didn't know what expression to make, so I had no composure. Now I'm gradually finding composure. I'm paying attention to how I can move the stage like my own space and how I can showcase us better.

Gunho: The more I perform, the more I continuously reflect on why I stand on stage. Also, I've continued to grow physically since debut. My voice and height are gradually changing, and seeing this recorded in videos and photos makes the change feel more tangible.

Q. The most meaningful moment from the past year

Martin: It was releasing the song "YOUNGCREATORCREW." I think this song played a big role in establishing our team's culture. As time goes on, the power of the song seems to grow, which feels rewarding. Thanks to this song, the "Young Creator Crew syndrome" became a meme representing a generation, and thanks to that, many people seem to love the song.

James: I'd like to mention Lollapalooza again. It was a dream stage that I accessed a lot online before even becoming a trainee. It was even more meaningful because so many COER were there with us.

Joohoon: Our debut stage is most memorable. The anticipation, excitement, and pressure that come with the word "debut" constantly interacted within me and brought so many thoughts. When I came down from the debut stage, I realized this was a simpler issue than I thought, and that relief still feels vivid.

Sunghyun: I think through the second mini album "GREENGREEN" we made the team known to even more people. That this album received good responses and the periods we worked hard preparing for it were truly meaningful.

Gunho: Through the first tour, I continuously feel why I stand on stage and make music. Communicating with audiences on stage as person to person and playing together to create good memories seems to be the most meaningful thing for me.

Q. Among all the released songs so far, which one do you have the most affection for

Martin: The second mini album title track "REDRED." From the moment we were making it, I thought "this song feels different," and after the rough sound mixing, I became certain. Thanks to that, when the members and I were choreographing together, the iconic "floppy ear dance" was born.

James: The intro track from the first mini album "GO!." It was the first song made at song camp and officially presented, and it was the first song where we choreographed together and made a self-produced music video. Because it was our first beginning, it's really meaningful.

Joohoon: "YOUNGCREATORCREW" from the second mini album. I think it's a song that expanded the team's limits and boundaries once again. Even though it's experimental, I'm grateful that so many people liked it.

Sunghyun: "REDRED" and "ACAI" from the second mini album. "REDRED" is the song that allowed us to be known by more people. When I sing my part on stage and hear the cheers, I feel really proud and it makes me feel like "this is why I meet COER." "ACAI" has my most participation in the production process and has affection because it's themed around the acai bowl, my favorite food.

Gunho: "YOUNGCREATORCREW." When we debuted, being introduced as "Young Creator Crew" felt awkward, but when we worked on the song with the abbreviation "Young Creator Crew," it was so fun.

Q. Looking back on your goals and pledges set before debut

Martin: I've consistently pledged not to lose my passion for music and creation even before debut. I think it's a pledge that won't change for life.

James: I tend to put meaning on the process rather than goals. Rather than wanting to achieve something, I'm grateful for the fact that I can stand on stage every day. Before debut, I hoped that I would give my best with the same passion at every performance, and I'm still giving 300% of my best on stage with the same passion.

Sunghyun: I always approach things with the mindset of "if I'm going to do it, let me do it right." I always keep this mindset.

Q. Your thoughts on the tour performances in six North American cities

Joohoon: I don't have many opportunities to meet COER who are in the United States, so I was happy to meet so many different people and play together. The light from the light sticks in the dark concert venue is what stands out most in my memory.

Gunho: It was my first tour and there was a lot to think about in terms of the five of us filling the stage. We practiced a lot because of it, and with each performance, I felt growth. Each city has distinct characteristics so I think I won't forget any of them.

Q. Goals you want to achieve and dreams you want to challenge going forward

CORTIS: We want to continuously grow. To become better humans and better artists, we will expand our limits and take on new challenges. As we gain various experiences, we will continue to show you good music and art. And going forward, we want to host tours at arenas and further stadiums to meet more COER.

Q. A word to COER who always support CORTIS

Martin: Thank you so much for always believing in and supporting us. We will also work to be a CORTIS you can be proud of. Let's make many good memories together going forward. I love you, COER.

James: Over the past year, we've received an incredible amount of love. I'm truly grateful. Going forward, I will work to bring you happiness through passionate stages. Please continue to support us.

Joohoon: Even if I spent my whole life, I couldn't fully repay this love, but I will give back bit by bit in my own way. There's still so much road ahead. Please continue to support us.

Sunghyun: Without you, we would have been nothing. Thank you so much for being "COER" and please continue with us for a long time. Please support us!

Gunho: Oh my! COER, congratulations on one year! Let's go further together going forward. See you at Hwajung Gymnasium!

<Photo provided by BIGHIT MUSIC>