CORTIS, less than a year into their debut, etched their name onto a world-class festival stage. At the major U.S. festival "Lollapalooza Chicago," they captivated a crowd of 50,000 and even delivered a surprise collaboration stage with a hip-hop legend.

11 Songs in 40 Minutes, Crisscrossing the Stage

According to their agency BigHit Music, CORTIS took the "T-MOBILE" stage at "Lollapalooza Chicago," held at Chicago's Grant Park on August 1 (local time). Even in poor weather, an estimated 50,000 spectators gathered, according to organizers.

CORTIS opened the set with "GO!" and "What You Want," performing a total of 11 songs live over about 40 minutes. The crowd chanted "CORTIS" even before the set began, and each time the five members—Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho—drew closer, the cheers grew louder.

The members heated up the atmosphere with signature songs one after another, including "REDRED," "ACAI," and "YOUNGCREATORCREW." BigHit Music said they crisscrossed the stage, headbanging fiercely and switching formations, and that their singing didn't waver even amid the intense movement. For the "TNT" remix, they went right down to the floor below the stage to connect with the audience up close.

A Surprise Stage with Hip-Hop Legend Juicy J

The turning point of the show was the surprise appearance of Juicy J, a star representing Southern U.S. hip-hop. CORTIS presented the first joint stage of their recently released collaboration single "MOTION" with him. "MOTION" is a modern reinterpretation of the "Memphis" sound that defined 1990s Southern U.S. hip-hop, and the members took part in writing and composing it themselves.

Juicy J's seasoned rap and heavy Memphis sound melded with CORTIS's explosive performance. The bond between the two acts, who had kept up a musical exchange since before CORTIS's debut, also drew attention. CORTIS called Juicy J "big brother" to express their respect, and Juicy J put his arms around the members' shoulders, showing an intergenerational closeness.

Watched by Some 167,000 Across 185 Countries

The performance was livestreamed via the fan platform Weverse, along with the OTT services Disney+ and Hulu in the U.S., Japan, and South America. On Weverse Live, an estimated 167,000 people watched from 185 countries and regions including South Korea, China, the U.K., Germany, and Canada.

CORTIS shared that it was a real joy to be part of "Lollapalooza Chicago," which they had dreamed of since childhood, and that they were moved and happy to see the passionate concert atmosphere they had vaguely envisioned while working on their second mini album "GREENGREEN" unfold as reality.

First North American Tour Starting the 4th

CORTIS continues with their first tour, "PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN," across six North American cities, beginning in Toronto, Canada, on August 4. Meanwhile, this year's "Lollapalooza Chicago" featured K-pop stars including BLACKPINK's Jennie, (G)I-DLE, and aespa on its lineup. CORTIS was also the only K-pop boy group named to this year's lineup.