• Source:JND
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HYBE’s newest boy group, CORTIS, has found itself at the centre of controversy just weeks after its debut. The five-member act, made up of Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho, launched their first EP Colour Outside The Lines with much excitement. However, what started as a promising entry into the Kpop scene has quickly been clouded by plagiarism claims. The group’s debut track What You Want impressed many with its youthful energy and quirky vibe, and additional songs like FaSHioN, JoyRide, and Lullaby showcased their attempt to bring something fresh to the industry. But a viral post on social media has now sparked debate, with netizens claiming some of CORTIS’s songs sound strikingly similar to well-known international hits.

According to the viral comparisons, FaSHioN is said to resemble A$AP Rocky’s Praise the Lord, while GO! has been linked to Travis Scott’s FE!N, and JoyRide reportedly echoes Post Malone’s Circles. These allegations have left the internet divided, with some fans and critics calling out HYBE for allegedly repeating past controversies of copying while others rushed to defend the group. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), several users voiced frustration. One wrote, “And what’s new? HYBE has been doing this for a long time.” Another added, “CORTIS won’t issue a statement, and their company won’t address it either. They act like their creative team produces unique music, but it all feels recycled.

Meanwhile, others questioned the group’s branding as a “self-produced” act. One post pointed out, “If a plagiarism issue comes up, the member takes the blame. That’s the risk of promoting them as self-producing idols.” Another user commented, “Even if it’s not outright plagiarism, how long can they last if people feel they’re copying without showing their own colour?” Despite the criticism, CORTIS fans have come to their defence. Many argue that similarities in sound are natural, especially in hip-hop and pop, where trends often overlap. A fan wrote, “Unless these artists themselves call it plagiarism, there’s nothing to argue. People are just trying to ruin the group’s debut moment.” Another supporter added, “This is how K-pop has always worked — it borrows from international pop and reinterprets it. Calling it plagiarism feels exaggerated.”

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Since their debut, CORTIS has been praised for attempting to take creative control over their music, choreography, and even music videos. The members have openly admitted being inspired by their label seniors BTS and TXT, hoping to follow in their footsteps.