HYBE Boy Band’s New BTS Reference Sparks Varied Responses

CORTIS is facing controversy over a BTS mention that split ARMYs.

The dispute started when CORTIS’s member Keonho said their recent stage was at the same venue where BTS held their first showcase in Japan. He explained the group wanted to start their journey there as well.

“It’s the same venue where our BTS seniors held their very first showcase in Japan, so we thought we’d like to start here as well!”
— CORTIS’s Keonho

Soon after, some ARMYs criticized the statement. They claimed CORTIS and BIGHIT MUSIC are copying BTS’s career path instead of forging their own. Fans noted that BTS debuted under a struggling BIGHIT, unlike CORTIS, which has strong company backing.

“I love how much respect they are showing towards their seniors but they have to go their own way. they didnt debut under broke ass nugu bighit but a huge company. following bts footsteps wont bring them to the same destination. bts got huge bc of their uniqueness”
— @jjeonsdoll

“It’s good that they are inspired by BTS, but I find it a bit murky that they try to follow the same step. I think they have a lot of talent, and I hope they forge their own path with originality like BTS did. I wish them all the best”
— @Tatakim30la

“Their marketing strategy: BTS
Bighit… we know you btch”
— @AvNinibeth

On the flip side, many fans defended CORTIS. They argued the group has been respectful toward BTS and that the remarks were twisted unfairly.

“say what you want but cortis have been nothing but genuine and respectful when it comes to bts. many of yall don’t even know where bts did their first showcase in japan pls”
— @aqusthv

“first time seeing a fandom mad at their faves being praised and looked up to”
— @7ofaugustd

“yall are being so weird towards a bunch of kids that have shown nothing but love, respect and admiration towards the tannies.”
— @wishlistseok

“if ppl dont mention them its “voldemort”, if ppl mention them >5 times its “hybe mediaplay”. so at the end of the day the boys cant even praise the tannies or pay homage without their actions being seen as a “business tactic” what do yall want?”
— @runprods

As the situation escalates, it reignites the debate on how HYBE’s newer groups handle BTS’s legacy. Fans continue to argue where respect ends and imitation begins.