CORTIS' Martin Responds to a Though Question About Becoming "The Second BTS"

 

Unlike the Western market, K-pop operates within a system that can be described as legacy-driven or heritage-based branding. If a new group debuts under a company that already boasts multiple highly successful senior groups, that group will naturally attract significant attention from the very beginning. Put simply, audiences are often already familiar with labels such as "the juniors of group A" or "the successors to group B." 

Because this industry dynamic was particularly prevalent during the 2010s, BTS—BigHit Entertainment's first boy group—faced a lack of attention and respect at their debut, as they had no predecessors to pave the way. However, following BTS's monumental success, BigHit gained a solid foundation of prestige to launch two more boy group: TXT and Cortis.

While the talent of these young idols is undeniable, it is equally difficult to ignore the fact that many people were initially drawn to then because they are juniors of BTS.

Moreover, the company's promotional strategies for both groups were firmly rooted in this core dynamic. When TXT debuted, BigHit promoted then as "Next Generation Leaders," implicitly positioning them in relation to their superstar seniors. With Cortis, BigHit emphasized the group's self-producing model, refined skills, and mature image—reflecting, in part, a framework that BTS had already proven successful. As a result, from the moment of their debut, the group was regarded by the media as a strong contender for the title of "the next BTS."

This level of attention is, of course, a clear advantage for young idols, but it also comes with considerable pressure. Comparisons are inevitable, as are expectations to "carry on BTS's legacy," especially when their seniors are among the most successful K-pop artists of all time. The label "the next BTS" thus becomes a sensitive and potentially controversial topic of TXT or Cortis fail to navigate it carefully.

During their early debut period, Cortis encountered such situations on multiple occasions. Surprisingly, however, despite being brand-new rookies, they managed to handle these sensitive moments with remarkable finese—particularly their leader, Martin.

One notable example occured during an interview with host Park Myungsoo on KBS CoolFM, where the host introduced them by saying, "This is the second BTS." In response, Martin tactfully replied, "Today is our first live broadcast, so we'll do our very best," while also admitting "I feel a lot of pressure, but I'm approaching this with the same sense of responsibility." 

When Park Myungsoo added, "I like BTS and I'm very close to them. I'm also close with TXT members, including Yeonjun. This is BigHit's first boy group in six years," Martin silent on to share his own connection to senior RM. "My sister has been a huge BTS fan since I was young, and I've always looked up to RM sunbaenim as my role model. Recently, I've received a lot of advice from him as a leader," he shared.

Martin's handling of questions related to BTS was met with praise from fans. It was far from an easy situation for a rookie group that had debuted only days earlier. The weight of titles like "the second BTS" or "the next BTS" is so heavy that even TXT, six years into their career, have never openly accepted such labels or responded to similar situations lightly.

By neither denying or directly rejecting The comparisons, Martin and Cortis avoided being perceived as disrespectful toward BTS or the host. Instead, his sincere remarks subtly emphasized the group's sense of responsibility—that they're striving to meet high expectations while continuing to work hard to establish their own identity. Fans also appreciated the humility and professionalism Martin displayed behalf of Cortis.

Previously, Cortis members had spoken openly on several occasions about their friendship with BTS. In an interview with Spotify, when asked about the artist he admires most, Martin answered without hesitation: "RM sunbaenim from BTS! He's the reason I joined this company. There's a lot I can learn from him as leader. I respect him a lot."

In an interview with JoongAng Sault, Cortis also shared the support they received from BTS during their debut period. "One piece of advice BTS sunbaenim gave us when we met them in person during J-Hope sunbaenim's concert was to never take things for granted. They told us to stay humble, and their encouragement pushed us to train even harder." 

Another piece of advice from BTS to their juniors, frequently cited by the media, was: "BTS sunbaenim told us to treat people you work with—the staff—well. That's what matters most. To hit the long run, you have to be good to the people around you. You have to show love."

Ultimately, the relationship between BTS and Cortis appears to be just as close as the brotherly bond BTS have maintained with TXT over the years. Drawing inspiration from and learning from their seniors, Cortis are striving to write a New chapter in their own careers. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly anticipating more moments of interactions between the two groups—particularly a full, multi-generational "BigHit Music family" photoshoot, something that has long been awaited as the company welcomes another new group into its roster.