CORTIS Surpasses 10 Million Instagram Followers Six Months After Debut; BTS’s Jin Ranked #1 as the Most Surprisingly Charismatic Artist

The global influence of individual K-pop idols is expanding at an accelerating pace. The rookie group CORTIS has set a new record by reaching 10 million Instagram followers in the shortest time among any K-pop group, doing so just six months after their Debut.

Around 3:30 p.m. on the 22nd, the official Instagram account of CORTIS — consisting of Martin James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho — surpassed 10 million followers. This achievement came six months after their first post was posted in August last year, making them the first K-pop group to reach this milestone in the past five years.

As of 7 a.m. on the 22nd, CORTIS had the largest follower counts among boy groups that debuted in the past five years across major platforms such as TikTok (9.5 million), YouTube (3.12 million), and Weverse (3.07 million). Despite only being active for half a year, their growth trajectory remains extremely strong. The steady increase in their social media followers even after the official promotion of their debut album “COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES” ended in September last year is attributed to their popularity at domestic and international award shows and concerts, as well as interest from the North American market.

In particular, CORTIS became the first Korean singer to headline the “NBA Crossover Concert Series” and perform as a halftime act at the “2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.” Their music, choreography, visuals, fashion style, and filming techniques have gone viral among global Gen Z audiences. Leveraging this influence, they have collaborated with global companies such as NBA, MLB, Apple, the video games “NBA 2K26” and “Fortnite,” Red Bull, KT, and Acube. They have also received offers from various industries, including performing the OST “Mention Me” for the new Hollywood Sony Pictures Animation film “GOAT.”

Meanwhile, BTS’s Jin topped a vote conducted on the global K-pop fan platform HIGHER titled “K-POP’s Most Surprisingly Charismatic Artist.” Jin received 29,888 votes, accounting for an overwhelming 44% of the total, and as a reward, his video was displayed at the Yeongdeungpo Times Square Art Canvas.

From June to August last year, Jin held his first solo fan concert and first solo world tour, titled “Run, Seokjin Tour,” featuring 18 performances in nine cities. On Pollstar’s list of the Top 20 Global Concert Tours, Jin set a new record as the best-performing Asian soloist in history. He also repeatedly achieved new records as the best-performing Asian soloist on Billboard’s Top Tour Monthly chart. His popularity was so high that he held encore performances at the Incheon Munhak Gymnasium on October 31 and November 1 last year due to overwhelming demand from fans who failed to secure tickets.

Jin’s tours have received praise from international media as well. The British magazine Rolling Stone awarded him five stars, describing him as “truly one-of-a-kind and an unparalleled entertainer.” The American magazine Forbes analyzed his steady vocals, wide vocal range, and ability to handle high notes. The French magazine Paris Match praised Jin’s sense of humor and stage presence, calling them a perfect gift to his fans.